ELTHAM, (Kent) 7 m. from London, in the road to Maidstone, and in the midway bet. Bromley and the Thames, bel. anciently to the Veseys and Mandevils. A palace was built by Anth. Beck, Bp. of Durham, and bestowed upon Eleanor wife of K. Edw. I. after he had got the estate of the Veseys into his hands. K. Ed. II. resided here constantly; and his son, who was born here, was therefore called John of Eltham. The palace here was much enlarged by the Ks. his successors, who, when the court was kept at Greenwich, often retired hither; and here were made those called the statutes of Eltham, by which the K's. house is still governed. The Pss. afterwards Q. Eliz. who was born at Greenwich, was often brought hither by her nurses for better air; and it gives title of E. to the Pr. of Wales. There are few or no traces to be seen of the palace; nevertheless it is a pleasant place, with handsome seats of Sir John Shaw and Sir Will. Fytche, Bts. and other rich citizens. Here are also 2 ch. scs.