The outer gateway, and the interior parts of this establishment, were under the care of the pensioners themselves, who shewed the utmost attention to strangers, manifesting a frankness and good-nature characteristic of the profession of the sailor. Small sums were taken for exhibiting some of the buildings, but the money went to the general fund, or for the board and education of the children of seamen. The visitor did not fail to glance into the _refectory_ and _kitchen_, which were freely open, and see the old men at their meals. It may seem singular thus to speak of this famous establishment in the _past_ tense; but in truth the purpose of Greenwich Hospital is changed. By an arrangement made in 1865, nearly all the pensioners (except sick and decrepit) have left the building, with a greatly increased money-allowance; most of them now living with their relations or friends. [Picture: Painted Hall, Greenwich Hospital] One attractive part of the establishment is the _Painted Hall_, in the west wing. It consists of a great room and one smaller, a vestibule, and a flight of steps. The appearance of the whole interior, on entering, is very imposing, the ceiling and one end being covered with paintings; and although these paintings, exhibiting a mixture of fantastic heathen gods and goddesses with royal and other portraits, are not in judicious taste, they serve to give a good general effect to the noble apartment. Along the walls are hung a collection of pictures, partly portraits of celebrated navigators and admirals, and partly depicting distinguished naval victories: each being a present to the institution by some benefactor. A good portrait of Captain Cook, by Dance, presented by Sir Joseph Banks, adorns the vestibule. A number of portraits, by Sir Peter Lely, Dahl, Sir Godfrey Kneller, and others, were presented by George IV. There are also several by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The painted ceiling of the great room was executed by Sir James Thornhill in 1703 and subsequent years. It is related that, in consequence of the length of time he had to lie on his back painting the ceiling, the artist could never afterwards sit upright. In the smaller apartment are shewn several models of ships of war, admirably executed; the coat worn by Nelson at the battle of the Nile; the astrolabe of Sir Francis Drake, a curious brass instrument of antique fashion, used for nautical observation; and some interesting relics of the ill-fated voyage of Sir John Franklin. The Hall is open free to the public on Monday and Friday; on other days the charge is 4d. On Sunday it may be seen after morning-service. The _Chapel_ is also worth a visit; it contains a fine picture by Benjamin West, the ‘Shipwreck of St. Paul;’ and monuments to two admirals, by Chantrey and Behnes. A monument or obelisk to the memory of Lieutenant Bellot, who perished in one of the Arctic Expeditions, has been placed on the noble Hospital-terrace, fronting the river.