On 4 February 330 years ago, the Royal Hospital opened its doors to the very first Chelsea Pensioners. Today, we are still providing a home for the Nation’s Army veterans in the site Sir Christopher Wren designed, according to King Charles II’s original vision.
Christmas is almost here and although life is still far from normal the Chelsea Pensioners are enjoying being part of our community at this special time. We are celebrating in many of the traditional ways at the Royal Hospital – while ensuring guidelines are followed and the Chelsea Pensioners stay as safe as possible.
Chelsea Pensioners and staff gathered together in the Great Hall on the last day of November to usher in the start of Advent with the first of the Royal Hospital’s annual Christmas traditions.
After the restrictions last year, the Royal Hospital today commemorated Remembrance with a Drumhead Ceremony on figure court.
We were delighted to welcome Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate to the Royal Hospital recently, to mark the start of our Remembrance commemorations.
On 29 October, our Deputy Matron Gail St Juste-Alcide attended the prestigious Nursing Times awards at the Grosvenor Hotel, as a judge for the new Social Care in Nursing award.
Thanks to a development grant of £135,726 awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund towards a £7.2 million project, the home of the Chelsea Pensioners will be creating a new Visitor Centre to welcome more of the public to its historic site.
This year a new garden was successfully installed in Salisbury Court, the private courtyard within the Margaret Thatcher Infirmary.
For the first time in its history, this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show will be held in September instead of May. Grounds Manager Ric Glenn says it will pose challenges as well as opportunities.
On 3 August 2021 it will be 300 years since Grinling Gibbons’ death. At the Royal Hospital we know him as the artist responsible for the striking gilded statue of our founder that stands in Figure Court – named in its honour.
