The previous answers are quite right, but here is a little tip I picked up several years ago while working in demolition. (Not the big explosive kind. Knocking down chimneys and out buildings with a big hammer and lots of muscle!!) Use some tape to seal a piece of aluminium foil onto a wall where the damp is prevalent. Leave overnight or a day or two. If condensation forms on the outside surface of the foil, the damp is a condensation problem. If the foil stays dry on the outer surface, but on removing the damp is underneath the foil, then the damp is either rising or falling damp, suggesting a structural problem. Which will probably require professinal and probably expensive attention. Don't be tempted to go cheap. Use a reputable builder if this is the case, or you may find the yourself with a second, possibly bigger bill to put things right. Also, check your buildings insurance to see if you are covered.
Paul Higgins
July 2005