Hamlet

Hamlet is a small village or settlement, generally one smaller than a town, and usually does not have a church or a market. The term is derived from Old French hamelet, diminutive of ham, meaning "village". In many countries, a hamlet has a specific legal meaning, and is often part of a larger civil parish, or may exist within an administrative unit.

History

The concept of hamlets originated in Europe, where they were typically agricultural communities that were smaller than a village and were often a part of a larger parish. These hamlets were typically centered around a manor house or a church.

Characteristics

Hamlets are typically small, consisting of a few houses or farms. They are often located in rural areas and are part of a larger civil parish or township. Hamlets may not have many of the amenities that larger towns have, such as schools, shops, or public transportation.

Legal Definitions

In many countries, a hamlet has a specific legal meaning. For example, in the United Kingdom, a hamlet is considered to be a type of settlement which is smaller than a village and does not have a church. In Canada, a hamlet is a designated place, typically with a population of less than 100 people.

See Also

• Village
• Town
• Settlement hierarchy
• Civil parish

References

Hamlet Resources
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