Dining Hall, Greenwich RMG S0529

Dining Hall, Greenwich
A view in one of the two dining halls of Greenwich Hospital, probably in the 1850s, with the Pensioners seated before dinner in disciplined order. If the modern door arrangements at the far end are indicative, and a similar but more animated view published in the 'Illustrated London News', 1865, (see PAI8790), it is probably the 'West Dining Hall' in the crypt under the Painted Hall, looking west toward the kitchens beyond the far wall, rather than the hall under the Chapel.
These dining arrangements started, originally in this space alone, when Thornhill began decorating the Painted Hall above in 1707-08. This had only been used briefly as the Hospital dining room and was not so again - save on special occasions- until the Painted Hall became the officer's mess of the Royal Naval College in 1939. It is worth noting that gaslight appears to have been installed here along the ridge of the vaulting.

PAD2238;Dining Hall, Greenwich