Ham, Residential district along River Thames in Richmond, United Kingdom
Ham is a residential district in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, situated on low-lying land bordered by the River Thames. The area features open meadows and follows the course of the Thames Path, with the river forming a distinctive curve around much of the community.
The area first appeared in written records around 1150, taking its name from Old English 'hamme' meaning enclosed land within a river bend. This name precisely describes the geographical position that has defined the place since its earliest documented times.
The name comes from an Old English word meaning land enclosed by a river bend, a description that still fits how the Thames wraps around this area today. Local people use the meadows and grounds near Ham House for sports and recreation, maintaining traditions that have shaped daily life here for generations.
You can walk along the Thames Path or use local bus routes to reach nearby areas and town centers. Access is easiest from Richmond or Kingston upon Thames, which have regular connections to the district.
The Ham Polo Club, founded in 1926, is the only place in Greater London where polo matches take place regularly. This specialized sports ground attracts enthusiasts from across the region and remains an unexpected feature within the urban area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
