Great Hall

The Great Hall at the center of the main block of Hampton mansion is an extraordinary space measuring 51 feet by 21 feet.

Sometimes referred to as the soul of the house, it has served many purposes over the years, from religious services to large dinner parties, children's games to debutant balls, weddings to funerals.

Family portraits are massed on the walls, including a copy of Thomas Sully's famous 1818 depiction of the beautiful young Eliza Ridgely, "Lady with a Harp." Other pictures, including large 18th century Italian landscapes, were purchased by the Ridgelys during their Grand Tours of Europe. Although somewhat more sparsely furnished today than in the historic period, the Great Hall encapsulates the history of Hampton and generations of the Ridgely family.