HAM HOUSE & GARDEN London UK

Ham House, Front Entrance

Entrance

Ham House - a post by Geoffrey W. Sutton

Photos taken 7 May 2025

Ham House, located in London, is a striking example of 17th-century Stuart architecture. Originally built in 1610 by Sir Thomas Vavasour, the house was later leased and eventually acquired by William Murray, a close friend and supporter of King Charles I.

Charles I Portrait at Ham House

In 1626, Charles I granted Murray the lease of Ham House, reflecting their strong friendship and Murray’s position within the royal court. Between 1637 and 1639, Murray and his wife Catherine undertook extensive renovations to enhance the house’s grandeur, aligning it with their status and royal connections.

During the English Civil War, Murray, a staunch Royalist, was forced into exile while his wife and daughter, Elizabeth, remained at Ham House to protect it from confiscation by Parliament. Following the execution of Charles I in 1649, Elizabeth skillfully navigated the political landscape, maintaining control of the estate even under Oliver Cromwell’s rule.

After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, Elizabeth was rewarded for her loyalty to the Stuart cause. She later married John Maitland, 1st Duke of Lauderdale, and together they transformed Ham House into one of the most opulent residences of the period. Today, the house is managed by the National Trust and remains a well-preserved example of Stuart-era luxury and political intrigue.