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The four seaside landscapes in ornate gilded frames are part of a group of paintings
purchased by the family while touring Europe in the 19th century. A large landscape by
Charles Volkmar (1809-1880), who painted in Baltimore, is seen in early photographs
either over the library-bookcase or over the west door.
The Drawing Room, in 1948. Photograph by A. Aubrey Bodine. Hampton NHS Collection.
Drawing Room
The Drawing Room was the most formal room in the Mansion and the furnishings here
reflected the wealth and status of the family. It is presently furnished to the 1830s, dur-
ing the third period of ownership.
Presumably Charles Ridgely the Builder and his wife, Rebecca, did not live in the Man-
sion long enough to completely furnish it, although surviving bills and receipts do indi-
cate quality items, many of which were imported from England. Since the Builder left
instructions in his will that no inventory of his estate should be taken, little evidence sur-
vives to document the interior appearance of the Mansion during his occupancy.
Charles Carnan Ridgely, the Builder's heir, was one of the wealthiest men in the state
and the Mansion was opulently furnished during his residency. Following his death in
1829, many of his furnishings were sold at auction or divided among his children. The
Governor's estate sale was listed at 8 North Gay Street, his townhouse address, and
although items from Hampton may have been included, paintings, silver and other
objects from this period remain in the collections at Hampton today.
John and Eliza Ridgely, the next generation to live at Hampton (1829-1867), made
many "modern" improvements during their 38-year ownership of the estate. Eliza, the
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