Hamlet (place)

A hamlet is a small settlement, generally smaller than a village, and often lacking specific services such as a church or a shop. Hamlets are typically rural and consist of a small cluster of houses, perhaps a farm, and other agricultural buildings. The distinction between a hamlet and a village can be blurry, and often depends on local custom and historical factors rather than strict criteria. In some regions, the term "hamlet" is legally defined, while in others, it is simply a descriptive term. Historically, hamlets often grew around a single large farm or estate. While lacking the infrastructure of larger settlements, hamlets represent a fundamental type of human settlement, reflecting a close relationship with the land and agriculture. They may or may not form part of a larger civil parish. The population of a hamlet is typically quite low, usually consisting of only a few dozen residents.