Ham House

Ham House is an important Jacobean mansion built in 1610 and altered between 1672 and 1675. It is a three-storey brick building originally designed in an H-plan. The north front, which faces the river, retains much of its original entrance. The space between the wings on the south front was added during the 1672-1675 alterations, which also replaced the original gables with a hipped roof and a modillion cornice. Full-height splayed bays were added to the ends of the wings on the north front, and niches with lead busts were inserted along this front at the first floor. The interior is very fine and sumptuous, remaining largely unspoilt with original furniture and fittings.

Historically, the house is associated with Sir Thomas VaVasour, who had the date 1610 carved on a door. It later passed to Elizabeth Murray, who became Countess of Dysart and subsequently Duchess of Lauderdale, and she was responsible for the late 17th-century alterations. The house has remained in the Dysart family since then. It is approached from Petersham and Ham along elegant avenues of trees through the park, and the side walls of the forecourt are decorated with busts in niches.