Chatham

The earlier name of Chatham was in 880. In the books of Domesday, it is recorded as the place as Ceteham. British root ceto  is the reason behind this name, and also Old English ham. However, the river-valley location of Chatham is more reliable with cet being an Old English survival of the element catu that was common in Roman-era names and meant 'basin' or 'valley.'

It long remained a small village on the banks of the river, but by the 16th-century warships were being moored at Jillingham water {Gillingham}, because this place plays a role as a strategic sheltered location between London and the Continent. It was established by Queen Elizabeth I as a Royal Dockyard in 1568, and most of the dockyard lies within Gillingham.

The Medway, apart from Chatham Dockyard, has always had a major role in communication: generally it provided a means for the transportation of goods to and from the centre of Kent. Stone, Timber, and Iron from the Weald for shipbuilding. In Chatham Sun Pier was among one of several such along the river.

Sport:

The town's Association Football Club, Chatham Town F.C., plays in the Isthmian League Division One South. Lordswood Football Club. Play in the Southern Counties East League. The defunct Chatham Excelsior football club was one of the forerunners of football in Southern England. Football League side Gillingham F.C. are seen to represent Medway as a whole. One of the largest in the country is Holcombe Hockey Club, and are based in Chatham.