Ridley Hall is the site of a circa 1834 stone residence located on Water Street, Harbour Grace, Newfoundland and Labrador. The building, which received heritage designation in 1994, remained vacant for many years and in 2003 it was almost completely destroyed by fire. As of 2021, it survived as a ruin. Construction Built for merchant Thomas Ridley (Sr.) in 1834, Ridley Hall was erected as a two-storey house on a T-shaped foundation with a truncated gable roof with end chimneys. Its stone walls were built of locally quarried bluestone, with some imported sandstone. Sometime after its initial construction, probably in the 1850s, a two-story frontal bay and a rear ballroom (the doors of which led to the gardens) were added. In 1863, a heavy stone wall was built around the property. In 1992, the building was described as being "In all likelihood, the finest surviving stone house in Newfoundland. Even in its tragically derelict condition, its sheer size and presence still command attention." Early use Complete with a grand ballroom and lush English gardens, Ridley Hall became a social haven for Harbour Grace elite, and schooners were known to salute the Hall as they passed through the Harbour. Elaborate parties were hosted on the grounds:Accounts of its past glory include stories of visits during the 19th century from various people of esteemed rank, including the Prince of Wales as well as members of other royal families from Spain, Portugal and the British Isles.One particular ball held by Thomas Harrison Ridley on Friday, August 10, 1855, was said to be the “certainly in every respect the most brilliant entertainment that has ever taken place in Newfoundland.” In 1866, following the successful laying of the Trans-Atlantic cable, Daniel Gooch wrote in his diary: Mr Ridley of Harbour Grace gave us a grand ball at his home. He put up a large timber ball room and did the thing exceedingly well. I dined and slept at his house. The road to reach this place from Heart’s Content was an awful one, the distance about 16 miles and time about 4 hours. He sent his carriage for us, or as many as it would hold. I fancied I never saw so many good-looking women in a room together before.The home changed hands several times throughout the late 19th and 20th century. Ridley and Sons declared insolvency in 1873, and in late 1876 the Ridley