Name: ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA
Price range: $$

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The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 by Charles II as a retirement home for soldiers. The architect was Christopher Wren. Today, it is home to about 300 veterans, who have served in the British Army all over the world over the last 60 years or so. Known as Chelsea Pensioners, they can be seen out and about in London in their distinctive red uniforms and three-cornered hats. Tours of the hospital can be arranged, and there is a museum. Particular highlights include the great hall and the Wren chapel. Among those buried on the site are ex-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her husband Denis, in the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, which opened in 2009. The Royal Hospital's extensive grounds are also the location for the annual RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Region/Nation

London

Location/Address

Royal Hospital Road
Chelsea

County

London

Post Code

SW3 4SR

Main Historic Period

Stuart

Useful Website Address

Website of the Royal Hospital

Tip/Nearby

National Army Museum (next door), Chelsea Physic Garden, Kings Road

Primary Management

Military

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What do people say

NatG on Britain’s most haunted placesInteresting. My parents have often told us about an encounter some 50 plus years ago at Markenfield Hall when the hall was uninhabited and a key could be borrowed to look around it. My dad wanted to look at it as part of a project he was doing for a
grandmisadventures on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralI love places like this that still show the remains of such a beautiful building.
marmeladegypsy on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralThis is magnificent, Mike. I think most of us who have read about WWII know the basics of what happened to Coventry, but not with the detail and visuals you shared here. And like you, I'm not a fan of modern churches, but from the first photos you shared, I
edgrant22 on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralA powerful and moving piece about Coventry. I am now inspired to visit the city which will be a first for me. Thank you Edward
Lisa G. on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralWhat a tragic tale, Mike. So much destruction, not to mention the terror! I tried imagining being at home, or even not at home, but enduring the fear, the noise, the uncertainty. Hour after hour.
notesoflifeuk on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralI went to an event there some years ago. I really must visit again one day.
Helen Devries on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralWhat you said about the blitz spirit echoes what my mother said about the raids on Southampton, where she accompanied her friend to try to salvage what they could from her friend's mother's house in the immediate aftermath. Their uniforms got them through the wardens and they were into a
Jennie on Coventry’s Blitz and CathedralJust wow!!
marmeladegypsy on The Witches of PendleAfter our election, I'm beginning to think that the darker times are definitely back! On another note, Rick and I took your advice and visited The Two Chairman when we were seeking a London pub in Westminster. Your recommendation was a good one -- we loved it! And probably wouldn't
Jenny Woolf on The cockatrice of Renwick and other talesHi Mike, I wrote a comment on Kirkoswald, not sure if it got through! :)

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