Great Hall

Great Hall

Accessed from the Whalebone Court, the Great Hall was about 40 feet wide and 70 feet long, in chief, excluding the servants' access to the buttery and kitchen. The east wall contained an oriel window and vaulted ceiling, which highlighted the dais. Opposite this was a vast arched fireplace. Six bays flanked the huge chamber, each with triple-light windows, and windows of stained glass displaying heraldry above. External buttresses supported the lofty ceiling of bare timbers, which was covered in, in 1675, to aid with acoustics. The floor was paved with stone.

In 1665, the Great Hall was fitted with a gallery at the south end and tiring-rooms close at hand, thus converting it for regular use as a playhouse.

Exits to:


 * Whalebone Court


 * Portrait Gallery


 * Wine Cellar


 * Shield Gallery


 * Privy Gallery


 * Central Drawing Room


 * Scarlet Drawing Room