Bedingfield Hands House
Chestertown

The first owner of this ca. 1750 house was named Bedingfield Hands. A prominent attorney, he married Sarah McGachan, daughter of a Chestertown businessman.

In 1811, widow Sarah deeded the house to her son Bedingfield Hands, Jr., who married Catherine Thompson, granddaughter of Dr. William Murray, builder of the Hynson-Ringgold House. In 1821, Catherine and her second husband, Richard Ringgold, were living in the house.

Mrs. Catherine Thompson Hands Ringgold was widowed again and left the property to her sister Caroline Thompson, who died in 1885, aged 100. Miss Thompson's bequest to Emmanuel Church was used to build its Cross Street bell tower.

Completely rebuilt about 1960, Bedingfield Hands' attic dormers, added when it was used as a hotel and real estate office as seen in an early 20th century photograph, have been removed. Of interest are its turned stairway with winders, living room mantel and vertical, beaded board walls in the entrance hall, living room and dining room.

Furnished with an eclectic mix of family pieces, oriental rugs and 19th and 20th century art, it is a wonderful example of 18th century frame construction. The front perennial garden, flanked by two large trees, an Atlantic Cedar and an evergreen Magnolia, has been redesigned.