The Painted Hall, Greenwich

Visited the Painted Hall in Greenwich for the first time, which, believe it or not, was designed to be a dining hall for seamen.

"The Painted Hall sits within the King William Court. Wren submitted designs in 1698 and the roof and dome were in place five years later. When in 1708 James Thornhill began decorating the interior, he was instructed to include as many references as possible to the importance of the navy in Britain's fortunes.

His 'great and laborious undertaking' was finally completed after 19 years, by which time the Painted Hall was felt to be far too grand for its original purpose."

Me thinks Wren and Thornhill got a bit carried away with themselves! No matter. The results are quite splendid.