Dining Room

The Dining Room is furnished to represent Hampton between c. 1810 and 1829 when second master Charles Carnan Ridgely died.

The Governor was said to "keep the best table in America," and the settings seen in the Dining Room reflect his sophisticated taste and wealth.

Seasonally, the Hampton table setting is changed, representing the first course of a sumptuous dinner in winter, with two table cloths and all the plates and service dishes in an orderly, symmetrical pattern. An elegant dessert course is displayed in summer, with cloths removed and an elaborate silver epergne with fruits and sweetmeats displayed in the center of the table. The sideboard features an ostentatious display of family silver at all times.