King Charles II founded the Royal Hospital Chelsea as a home for old soldiers and still retains that primary role today, being the home of the Chelsea Pensioner. The impressive Wren buildings represent one of the outstanding glories of English architecture and sit in 66 acres of beautiful parkland - an oasis in the heart of London by the river Thames embankment, but still within easy reach of public transport, shopping in the Kings Road and Knightsbridge and other facilities.
The State ApartmentsThe State Apartments consist of two main rooms, the Council Chamber and an Ante-Room. The Council Chamber is a stunning oak-panelled room designed by Wren and embellished by Robert Adam and still in its original stunning condition. There are a number of fine paintings by Van Dyke, Kneeler and Lely as well as important carvings and mouldings by William Emmett, John Grover and William Cleere.
Together with the Ante-Room next door the State Apartments are ideally suited for receptions, dinners, lectures, and press/book launches, photo-calls and filming.
Capacity is up to 180 standing, 80 seated for dinner (round tables) and 120 seated (Lecture style).
Included in the complex there is a fully equipped kitchen and cloakrooms.
The Great HallThe Great Hall was constructed in 1782 and is an integral part of the Royal Hospital. It is 115 feet long and 38 feet wide and is still used as originally conceived by Wren as a communal dining facility for all 350 Chelsea Pensioners.
An impressive mural of Charles 11 dominates one end and on the walls are hung portraits of every monarch since then. On the panelling is recorded every battle and campaign in which the British Army has been involved since 1662 and a number of captured standards are also displayed. There is a small minstrel's gallery over the entrance and a PA system is available.
The Great Hall is available for hire in the evenings only from about 6.30pm and includes the use of the kitchens. It would be ideally suited for banquets and receptions. Seating capacity is 270 and standing around 400
The ChapelThe Chapel was completed by Sir Christopher Wren in 1687 and seats 380. The Chapel enjoys exceptional acoustic quality and is available for concerts and recitals. A Chapel concert can also be enhanced by the use of the Great Hall next door for pre concert, interval and post-performance drinks and buffets.
We provide full professional planning and support to all types of function. The facilities and services that you will use are tailored to individual requirements. Our flexibility and personal service are the key to the smooth running of events and activities of all types.
The Chapel is only available for weddings under certain circumstances.
The main facilities on offer are:
Great Hall Dining for 270
Receptions for 400
Chapel Seating for 380
State Apartment Receptions for 180
Lecture facilities for 120
Dining for 80
The South Grounds and Ranelagh Gardens
The South Grounds and Ranelagh Gardens, re-designed by the eminent landscaper John Gibson in 1860, are used by the Royal Horticultural Society to stage the world famous Chelsea Flower Show here annually between May to July.
Marquees and Garden Parties are permitted throughout the year by private and corporate clients.
Please click here to take a virtual tour to see the venues that you may wish to use.
For further information please contact the Royal Hospital's Commercial Services Department at:
The Royal Hospital Chelsea
Royal Hospital Road
London
SW3 4SR
Telephone: 020 7881 5298
Fax: 020 7881 5319
Email: eventsao@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
A preliminary site visit is essential and we would be delighted to show you round.