Ham House

Just a short distance along the river from Richmond, Ham House, now owned by the National Trust, is a delightful place to spend an afternoon, especially if the sun is shining, as it was today, although  there was more of a wind than I really like - my hair was flying everywhere.

Ham House is quite a walk from the nearest bus-stop, but a very pleasant walk, which takes you almost right round the house to the entrance.

The house itself, viewed from the entrance gate, is imposing. and owes much to a seventeenth century lady called Elizabeth Murray.

Mr. Murray found himself on the wrong side during the English civil war, and with the defeat of the king, had to flee to France, leaving his wife and family at Ham House.

For some people that might have been a disaster, but Elizabeth Murray was no idle young lady, spending all her time sitting round doing nothing.  Instead, with her father abroad, she not only kept the home going, but was also very actively involved in politics, plotting for the return of Charles II.   Such was her contribution to his safe return in 1660, that Charles II made her a Countess in her own right, and to this day the title of Countess of Dysart descends via the eldest child, not the eldest son.
 The house has had many uses, including being used for training during the Second World War, but still retains its aura of grandeur, and with its vast array of treasures.it is possible to spend several hours wandering around without taking everything in. Outside the house, there is a small shop - very small by National Trust standards - and something that most National Trust places don't have - a secondhand book shop.   It also has a tiny alcove where they show a film on the house, and a rather nice cafe with outdoor seating - their sweetcorn soup and roll was delicious