Ham House, Richmond

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Ham House and garden is an unusual complete survival of the 17th century that impressed in its day and continues to do so today.

The house was built in 1610, and resided in by the aristocratic family, such as William Murray, Lord and Lady Lauderdale, 5th-9th Earl of Dysart between the 17th century and the 1940s.

The wealthy Lauderdale family employed the famous architects such as William Bruce or William Samuel, and they designed sumptuous interior and furniture with intricate decorations and carvings in the Reception, Drawing Room, Staircase, Dining Room, and Gallery, in line with Lord Lauderdale’s status, i.e. a member of minister for the Charles 2nd. These architects also designed rare and precious tapestries and furniture for the house, and they are displayed in the showrooms today. Those 17th century artwork and furniture convey visitors Lady Lauderdale’s private life. It is even possible to see her ghost and dog in the corridor in the midnight.

In 1862, Lord Lauderdale died and the property was passed on to his son, 3rd Earl of Dysart. 4th Earl of Dysart carried out repairing the structure for the house, 6th Earl of Dysart bought and displayed scores of Reynolds and Gainsborough’s paintings in the house. He also refurbished the 17th century Yellow Satin Room.

In 1884, 9th Earl of Dysart started living Ham House and found the facilities outdated and art collection and furniture dilapidated, and raised the campaign to restore the mansion. He got the roof renewed, and organised electricity and central heating systems and repaired the 17th century furniture. Thanks to his hard work and enthusiasm, the 17th century mansion and contents have remarkably survived and been kept in good condition. The last resident, Cecil Tollemache, son of the 9th Earl of Dysart’s cousin gave the property and contents to the National Trust in 1948.

It is also worth strolling through the 17th century garden, containing a statue of Bacchus, lavender borders, and trellis with preached hornbeams, orangery, and the south border with clipped yew cones, hibiscus, and pomegranate.

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Comments

[Mark Osborne]

Orangery
Hi It is old big house . It design, planning of room are very systematically. It is an aristocratic building and look so beautiful. Orangeries