If you’re looking for a lovely day out in West London, Ham House could be just the place to visit.
If you’re curious, here is some background history to this magnificent stately home.
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Ham House is a unique 17th-century house with sumptuous interiors, original collections and restored formal gardens.
It was built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour, an official in James I’s court. Sir Thomas died in 1620 and the house was leased to William Murray in 1626. Murray had been close to Charles I, taking punishment on behalf of the young prince, and grew up to share his taste in architecture and art.
Between 1637 and 1639 Murray remodelled much of the interior, creating the Great Staircase and a suite of state room on the first floor.
These rooms still contain part of Murray’s art collection.
Murray was created 1st Earl of Dysart in 1651 as a reward for his support to Charles I during the Civil War. After being forced into excile after the King’s execution, Murray died in 1655 and his title and property passed to his eldest daughter Elizabeth. Elizabeth married Sir Lyonel Tollemache of Helmingham Hall in 1648. It was said that Elizabeth was active in political circles and belonged to a secret organisation known as the Sealed Knot which was believed to support the exciled King. There were also rumours that she had a liaison with Oliver Cromwell. After Sir Lyonel’s death Elizabeth married John Maitland, 2nd Earl of Lauderdale.
Launderdale was appointed Lord High Commissioner for Scotland and his rule was associated with large scale corruption and high spending. Ham House acted as John and Elizabeth’s London base and place where much entertaining took place.
After the Earl’s death in 1682, Elizabeth’s debts became unmanageable and she had to pawn some of her collection of picture and jewellery. After her death in 1698, th house passed to her eldest son from her first marriage – Lionel Tollemache – 3rd Earl of Dysart.
Tollemache had little interest in Ham House having already inherited various estates in Suffolk. However, Tollemache’s grandson, the 4th Earl made Ham the main family seat on his inheritance during 1727. Unfortunately, the house was in a bad state of repair at this stage and he was forced to undertake major structural work and internal changes.
Later generations did not alter the external appearance of Ham House. At the end of the 19th century, the 9th Earl undertook a major programme of restoration, reparing much of the old furniture and the roof. In 1948, Sir Lyonel Tollemache and his son Cecil give Ham to the National Trust.
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You should allow at least an hour to explore the house. My favourite room was the kitchen. It’s really fascinating to look at all the old cooking implements that they used to use in those days.
The gardens are lovely to stroll around. They were designed during the ownership of the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale in formal French, Dutch and Italian styles. The kitchen garden is great if you’re interested in growing your own vegetables.
Ham House
Ham Street, Ham, Richmond upon Thames TW10 7RS
Telephone 0208 940 1950
Email hamhouse@nationaltrust.org.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hamhouse
How To Get There:-
Train: Richmond by mainline from Waterloo or Underground (District Line). Then take the 371 bus towards Kingston, alighting at Ham Street.
Road: On the south bank of the Thames, west of the A307, between Richmond and Kingston; Ham gate exit of Richmond Park, readily accessible from M3, M4 and M25
See map: http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.srf?x=517099&y=172976&z=0&sv=TW10+7RS&st=2&pc=TW10+7RS&mapp=newmap.srf&searchp=newsearch.srf