Sunday, May 8

Ham House

My photo facing Ham House northward with the Thames on the opposite side.


From the National Trust brochure :

"A 400-year-old treasure trove waiting to be discovered and one of a series of grand houses and palaces alongside the River Thames. Ham House and Garden is an unusually complete survival of the 17th century that impressed in its day and continues to do so today. Rich in history and atmosphere, Ham is largely the vision of Elizabeth Murray, Countess of Dysart, who was deeply embroiled in the politics of the English Civil War and subsequent restoration of the monarchy. Discover the fine interiors and historic gardens that make Ham an unusual and fascinating place to visit.


The house is said to be haunted by the Duchess of Lauderdale [the Lauderdales owned Ham House and bankrupted themselves with parties and entertaining; the house became dilapidated until revived by the National Trust from 1965] . The house was subject to a year long investigation by the Ghost Club which recorded a number of phenomena that remain 'unexplained'.