Ham House

Situated beside the River Thames in Ham, London, just to the south of Richmond, in the United Kingdom, is claimed by its present owners, the National Trust, to be "unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17th century fashion and power". It was built in 1610 for Sir Thomas Vavasour, Knight Marshal to James I and in 1626 passed into the hands of William Murray who had been the "whipping boy" for the future Charles I. He took the punishment on behalf of the young prince, and formed a close bond with him, growing up to share his taste in art and architecture.