Say Hi! to a Royal Chelsea Pensioner
Going through Chelsea? Why not stop at the Royal Chelsea Hospital?
Charles II (you’ll see his golden statue in the main yard) had the idea, 300 years ago: veterans had to be taken care of. Christopher Wren, London’s most famous architect then put his skills at work to create a massive hospital with red and white bricks, inspired by the Parisian Hopital des Invalides.
Pensioners exchange their military pension for a berth (2.74m x 2.74, slightly bigger these days), clothes, 3 meals a day, healthcare and access to a library, a gentlemen’s club, a billiard room, a 6 acres park. Not bad a deal, eh?
Through the open windows, you will get a glimpse of yeasteryear…
300 pensioners live here these days.This stayed a male only environment till very recently: only in March 2009 did a few ladies step in.
Wander from a yard to another – such a quiet place… The gentlemen only wear their scarlet uniform for ceremonies and prefer dark blue clothes on a daily basis. You’ll meet them in the corridors, happy to chat, smiling at young kids…
Look up in the corridors and count the regiments decorations…
You can also stop at the museum to learm more about the suits and medals. The chapel – another of Christopher Wren’s works – is splendid. Do have a look at the dining hall where pensioners still enjoy their meals, how grand!
Just before the exit, turn in the old cemetary. Beautiful graves, very Victorian, with beautifule engravings on some. Brompton cemetary has replaced this one – I’m told it is well worth the detour.
Disappointed of not having seen our heroes in their spendid suit? There’s a surprise for you and a great photo opportunity…
Pssst! Did you know the Chelsea Flower Show is actually help here every year?
Psssst(2): don’t know what else to do aroud here? Have a yummy shopping trip @ Partridge’s… Admire Modern Art @ the Saatchi Gallery… Or have a stroll @ the Chelsea Physics Gardens!
The Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Rd
London SW3 4SR
Mondays to Saturdays 10.00-12.00 then 14.00-16.00
Sundays 14.00 to 16.00
Tube: Sloane Square
Free!
7 Responses to “Say Hi! to a Royal Chelsea Pensioner ”
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Toujours des bons plans gratuits ! Tu es une mine ! C’est drôle que tu puisses avoir accès à tout alors que tant de personnes y vivent…
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J’ai visité les lieux en mars dernier et c’est un endroit magnifique !
J’ai les mêmes photos souvenirs que toi …. -
Chocoralie says:
Londres a longtemps ete consideree comme une ville chere. C’est vrai loyer, nourriture n’y sont pas donnes!
Mais la capitale offre enormement de possibilites aux petits budgets egalements: evenementiels bien sur mais aussi musees gratuits.
L’etat finance peu le Royal Chelsea Hospital. Il depend surtout de bienfaiteurs. En l’ouvrant au public, qq heures par jour, on le rend plus vivant, plus humain qu’une simple maison de retraite. Le musee est gratuit mais il est possible de laisser une donation ou meme d’acheter des souvenirs a la boutique. Petite source de revenus mais source de revenus tout de meme…
Butterfly: Ah! J’adorerais voir tes photos!
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