Ham House and Gardens

On the Saturday the Sun was shining Again and we decided to head to Ham House

This is a 17th Century House. king James era.

After what was long bus trip, we finally arrived.

The house entrance is through a long line of trees.

The House is a Brick master piece.

At the entrance is group of Busts. Each still very much intact.

Jennifer enjoyed herself, as it was based on French architecture.

The House had been set up to be in the 17th Century style with the Duchess in prime location.

It was very Dark house as windows were expensive in those days.

The Staircase was all wood and carved in details of roses.

Meanwhile the painting were of Naval Battles.

The main entrance polished marble tiles, with Painting of all the owners over the years.

There was a small chapen was the live in Priest

The grand Entrance way is actually new,

as the owner in 1850's removed the portion of the second floor to big it look bold.

As it was dark, not many photo's took be visible.

Once outside in the sun, The Lead water basins were all round the place,

most owners would employ some one to keep them full.

so that anyone needing water could collect it from there

The gardeners alone would take a thousand of gallons a day for the gardens.

Under the house was the Kitchen

and of course a dark pantry for the beer and wine

The east side of the house was where the distillery and Spa were. again both dark places.

The walled garden was inviting.

But was huge, and only part has been restored,

the stables and yards got sold off to private homes just after WW1.

So they are not part of the house anymore.

The gardens had only been partially restored, due to it's size.

The berry fruits were out in full production and look great.

Out the front is the large lawn ad beyond is the contour forest,

We had Lunch under the tree's.

To the west of the house is the landscaped Lavender beds and hedges.

This type of garen go to Jennifer as she's allergic to Lavender.

And as we left, we got the view of the house from the river.

It was a beautiful Summers day so we decided to work along the

Thames and enjoy the summer sun.

Seeing the grand house on the other side of the river.

The views and the people on the river made it a very enjoyable afternoon.

We even found the street where the first privately owned homes were.

Up until then, it was owned by the king and he gift the estates.

these were not far from the Richmond Palace.

We got to walk around the Old Richmond Palace and again,

No Photo's allowed as it is privately owned now.

After that we headed back into Richmond and caught the bus home.

An enjoyable day out in the sun.