A treasure trove

A beautiful autumn day and a last treat in this part of the country. C and I took the train to Richmond, and then walked along the River Thames to Ham House. This 17th-century house sits on the banks of the River Thames in Richmond. It is the creation of the Duchess of Lauderdale and her husband, the Duke, who together transformed Ham into one of the grandest Stuart houses in England. Beautiful house that is ‘unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power’. My photos don’t do it justice at all.

Crowds starting to gather for the England vs Wales match across the river at Twickenham in the evening.

Walking along the Thames Path

Ham House

Side of Ham House, to downstairs.

The kitchen garden from the Orangery café.

The kitchen garden

Another lawn left alone.

The 17th century north front of Ham House

The top of the front door

A copy of a Titian painting on the main staircase

Charles 1st painted by Anthony van Dyck

Old map of the world in library – New Zealand not yet discovered by Europeans,

Floor in the Duchess’s private room.

Original silk wall hangings.

The diamond-pattern box parterre garden seen from inside

The box parterre garden

Sculpture of Mercury

Autumn and gorse.

The Kitchen garden

The Kitchen garden

Dutch tiling in the bathroom

Tiling in the dairy

Hand painted Wedgwood tiles

The River Thames

The River Thames

Crowds building, more excitement

Crowds building, more excitement

Building in Richmond

Wooden boats for hire at Richmond