2-982-574 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Ham House, in Surrey, 1858. 'This venerable building is a fine mansion of the time of James I., and was intended as a residence for Henry Prince of Wales. It afterwards belonged to the Earl of Holderness; and then came into the possession of Sir Lionel Tollemache. His widow, the Countess of Dysart, married the Duke of Lauderdale, who furnished the house in a sumptuous style, and in his time the famous Cabal held their meetings here. The house, which stands close to the Thames, is of red brick, and the front towards the river is decorated with a row of painted leaden busts placed within oval niches. On the lawn is a colossal statue representing the Thames'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.