Ham House and Gardens is now owned by the National Trust, who describe the property as "unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power" Ham House overlooks the River Thames, in Ham in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Marble Hill House on the opposite bank of the river in Twickenham.
As you approach the property you are greeted rather appropriately by a statue of Father Thames crafted in Coade stone by John Bacon the younger. Meander around the beautiful Stuart gardens you will find the famous Cherry Garden, featuring lavender parterres flanked by two vaulted trellises of pleached hornbeam with a statue of Bacchus as a centre piece.
It was built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour. In 1626 it became the property of William Murray the "whipping boy" of Charles I. Murray remodelled the house, before it passed into the hands of perhaps it’s most infamous owner, his daughter Elizabeth, Lady Dysart, who through marriage became The Duchess of Lauderdale. Her legacy continues to this day not only with the extravagant work she had carried out to the house, but it is said that her spirit and that of her dog are still roaming the corridors of this mansion. Making it one of Britain’s most haunted buildings.
Weddings and Filming
Along as being a great place to visit, Ham House is often used as a filming location as well as a stylish wedding venue.
Ham House
Ham Street,
Ham,
Richmond upon Thames,
TW10 7RS
UK
Official Site
Ham House Resources
