Ham (West) a village in Essex, between Stratford and Little Ilford.
Hamburgh Merchants, a company incorporated by Edward I. in the year 1269, by the name of Merchant Adventurers. This being the first company of merchants incorporated in this kingdom, they soon obtained ample privileges of John Duke of Brabant, for establishing a factory at Antwerp.
As these merchants proved of great advantage to the nation, their privileges were confirmed and enlarged by several succeeding Princes, particularly by Queen Elizabeth, who impowered the members of this company to extend their commerce to all parts of Germany. This was no sooner known, than very great privileges were offered them by the merchants of Hamburgh, as an encouragement to settle in their city, which being accepted, the factory repaired thither, where they still continue, and are at present known by the appellation of the Hamburgh Company, the ancient name being now never used but in deeds, and other writings.
This society, since the diminishing of their privileges, and laying open their trade in the reign of King William III. is greatly reduced. Strype’s edit. of Stow.
Cascade at Ham Farm.
S. Wale delin. F. Vivares sculp.
Ham Farm, is the seat of the Earl of Portmore at Weybridge in Surry. It is situated between the Earl of Lincoln’s and the late Mr. Southcote’s. The house is a large handsome structure built regularly of brick, with a fine lawn before the garden front. The grounds about it consist of about 500 acres, 130 of which are laid out for pleasure, besides a paddock of about 60 acres. Here is a fine command of water, there being two navigable rivers, the Thames, which comes with a fine bending course by the side of the terrace, and the Wye, which runs direct]y through the grounds, and joins the Thames at the terrace. There is a swing bridge over the Wye, which may be turned aside at pleasure to let boats and other vessels pass. The Wye is navigable up to Guildford and other places. What is called the Virginia Water, runs from Windsor great park, and flows through Mr. Southcote’s grounds hither. The terrace next the Thames is beautiful; and though it lies upon a flat, there are some good views from it, and from other parts of the gardens. This place was first beautified by the Countess of Dorchester, in the reign of James II.
Ham House. See Petersham.
Hamilton street, Hyde Park road.†
Hamilton’s yard, Upper Shadwell.†