Lee F. Mindel Explores Sir Christopher Wren’s Royal Hospital Chelsea

Cupola

The oculus allows daylight to animate the space.

Main Entrance

The hospital’s wood doors, symbolic of the strength and humility of the British soldier, are embraced in a heroic limestone façade.

Front Entry

A view of the entrance and cupola of Royal Hospital Chelsea.

Memorial Statue

A memorial statue to those who have served stands at the entrance, and the quote at its base resonates in your mind as you explore the building.

Chapel Entry

The graceful drape of the curtains here creates a soft foil for the main entry to the chapel.

Chapel Organ

A magnificent organ is located on a balcony overlooking the chapel.

The Chapel

Three-hundred-year-old wood paneling gives an intimate feel to an imposing space.

Pensioners’ Dining Room

The dining hall, located opposite the chapel, provides a grand setting for everyday meals.

Commemorative Plaques

The names of American cities listed on a British hospital’s commemorative plaques are a reminder of the two nations’ turbulent past.

Chapel Pews

The pews are outfitted with needlepoint hassocks with names of specific regiments.

Dining Room

As in the chapel, wood paneling makes a grand-scale room feel more intimate.

Facing the Thames

Antique cannons point toward the river.

The Figure Court

The Figure Court features a statue of Charles II by Grinling Gibbon. It was regilded in 2002 for the queen’s golden jubilee.

Front Grounds

A cricket pitch at the front of the hospital.

Pensioners’ Quarters

Plaques displayed in the pensioners’ private quarters.

The Figure Court

The oldest section of the hospital includes Wren’s original placement of benches between the columns of a covered walkway.

Entrance

The master butler’s entryway.

View Toward the Thames and Chelsea Embankment

Each year, the grounds of the hospital play host to the annual Royal Horticultural Society Chelsea Flower Show (this year May 20 through 24).