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These 17th century buildings
are a retirement home for old or wounded soldiers, founded
in 1682 by Charles II.
The King was inspired by Louis
XIV's 'Hotel des Invalides' in Paris and wanted to create
an equally splendid home for his veteran soldiers. James
II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to enlarge the plans
and the buildings, built around three courtyards, were opened
in 1692.
Today the group of buildings
is home for about 400 ex-servicemen. The permanent residents,
known as 'In-Pensioners' wear a distinctive uniform, unchanged
since the 17th century. Their coats are navy blue but
on ceremonial occasions the 'Chelsea Pensioners' are instantly
known in their scarlet coats and tricorn hats.
Designed in an English baroque
style, the Royal Hospital has two residential wings linked
by the Great Hall and Chapel. The Chapel is decorated
with regimental colours and contains a fresco of 'Christ Rising
from the Tomb' by Sebastiano Ricco. The panelled Great
Hall, opposite, features a mural of Charles II, on horseback,
by Verrio. This room is still used as the Pensioners'
refectory.
The entrance to the small museum
has a large painting of the Battle of Waterloo by George Jones.
The exhibition shows the history of the Chelsea Pensioners
with a scale model of the Royal Hospital, records dating back
to its foundation, a mock up of a residential room, as well
as medals and uniforms. Paintings include Van Dyck's
group portrait of Charles I and his family.
In the courtyard is a statue
of Charles II by Grinling Gibbons, dated 1676.
On Oak Apple Day , 29 May, the
Chelsea Pensioners parade in the courtyard and dress the statue
in oak leaves and branches to commemorate the King's birthday
and his escape from the Battle of Worcester, 1651, when he
hid in the Boscobel Oak.
The grounds surrounding the Royal
Hospital are Ranelagh Gardens and can also be visited.
A small pavilion, designed by Sir John Soane, has a display
illustrating the history of the gardens as a Georgian pleasure
resort. Then Ranelagh Gardens was a fashionable meeting
place for London society. In May the gardens host the
famous Chelsea Flower Show.
Admission free
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Sloane Square