The village of Ightham (pron. Ite-um) in Kent is most famous for the nearby medieval manor of Ightham Mote although the village itself is of even greater antiquity

Ightham is not mentioned in Domesday Book but place name evidence implies the name is derived from the Saxon 'Ehtaham'. 'Ehta' is a Jutish personal name, while 'ham' means settlement.

The parish church dates from the 12th century and in 1336 Edward II granted a request for permission to hold an annual fair in the village.