Where do Chelsea Pensioners live?
Where do Chelsea Pensioners live?
the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Chelsea Pensioners are the iconic faces of the UK’s veteran community. They reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, their 326-year-old home founded by King Charles II in the heart of London.
Who lives at the Royal Hospital Chelsea?
Royal Hospital Chelsea
- The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement home and nursing home for some 300 veterans of the British Army.
- Residents are known as Chelsea Pensioners.
- The gardens of the Royal Hospital are Grade II listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Can anyone be a Chelsea Pensioner?
To be eligible to become a Chelsea Pensioner, you must be a former soldier or non-commissioned officer of the British Army (including National Service), or a former officer of the British Army who served in the ranks for at least 12 years or was awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks.
Can Chelsea Pensioners be married?
They must be over 65 years of age, be able to live independently on the Long Wards on arrival at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and be free of any financial obligation to support a spouse or family.
Do Chelsea Pensioners have to be single?
You must have no living dependents – i.e. you need to be single with no family to support. If at a later date you decide to marry, another deserving veteran would take your place.
Do Chelsea Pensioners have to pay?
Primarily you have to be a former soldier who is able to live independently and willing to surrender their British Army Pension. This last stipulation is because as soon as Chelsea Pensioners become residents they do not have to pay for accommodation or food.
Where are Chelsea Pensioners buried?
Following the closure of the Old Burial Ground pensioners were buried at Brompton Cemetery between 1855 and 1893 and have since been buried at the New Plot at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey since 1962; the Old Plot at Brookwood having closed that year.
What do Chelsea Pensioners wear?
Scarlet Secrets The long scarlet coat is an icon of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and is worn with pride by the Chelsea Pensioners. However, many people do not realise that Pensioners wear two types of uniform, known fondly as ‘scarlets’ and ‘blues’.
Do Chelsea Pensioners have to wear uniform?
Chelsea Pensioners are encouraged to wear their uniforms; it is mandatory to wear the scarlet uniform when representing the Royal Hospital on a recognised visit or when on parade, such as the annual Founder’s Day parade in June. The blue uniform is also worn at breakfast and lunch in the Great Hall.
When was the Royal Hospital built?
1682
Royal Hospital Chelsea/Founded
What is the history of the Royal Hospital Chelsea?
An inscription on the statue of a Pensioner outside the hospital. The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a retirement home and nursing home for some 300 veterans of the British Army. Founded as an almshouse, the ancient sense of the word “hospital”, it is a 66-acre (27 ha) site located on Royal Hospital Road in Chelsea.
Can you visit the Royal Hospital Chelsea in advance?
Daily walking tours of the site and museum, led by Chelsea pensioners themselves, can be booked in advance. The South Grounds of the Royal Hospital are also used for large-scale public events including the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show, held by the Royal Horticultural Society.
What kind of statue is at the Royal Hospital Chelsea?
A statue of King Charles II in the Figure Court of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The 7′ 6″ (229 cm) statue of King Charles II which stands in the central court (the Figure Court) of the Hospital was cast in copper alloy by Grinling Gibbons; it was originally gilded but was bronzed in 1787.
What is the Great Hall of Chelsea?
Until the early 19th century, the Great Hall was the dining room for the residents at the Royal Hospital Chelsea. It was furnished with sixteen long tables (one for each Long Ward) which would provide space for two sergeants, two corporals, a drummer and twenty-one private soldiers (in all twenty six, the number that lodged in each Long Ward).
