Chelsea Pensioners
RHC (Royal Hospital Chelsea) is not a traditional visitor attraction, but rather an iconic venue in the Chelsea area. Founded in 1682 by King Charles II, RHC served as the home for veterans of the British Army, commonly known as the Chelsea Pensioners. On its official website, Chelsea Pensioners refer to,
“From 1692 until 1955, all Army pensions were administered by and paid from the Royal Hospital Chelsea…it’s only those Pensioners who retire to and live within the Royal Hospital who are now officially known as Chelsea Pensioners.”
The Scarlet
We came across a YouTube video about that showcased the life of the Pensioners in the new Long wards and their pride in being part of a historical legacy. As we watched the video, we were surprised to see the similarity in the red colour of the Pensioners’ uniforms with that of the Yeomen Warders’ at the Tower of London! In order to understand the reason behind this dress code, we conducted further research and discovered that the Pensioners’ coat is referred to as “the Scarlet”. This Scarlet secret was hidden in their tricorn hat, buttons, rank, and trousers. If you are interested in them, you can find them here.
“The scarlet coat and the tricorne hat are wore tighter with white gloves for ceremonial occasions. For all other events the scarlet coat is worn with the shako cap”.
The Pensioners wear the Scarlet during the annual Founder’s Day parade, also known as Oak Apple Day, in June. A member of the Royal Family attends the ceremony each year. It is very interesting to see the interpretation of the Oak reference in the Pensioners’ uniform –
“The Oak reference commemorates the escape of the future King Charles II after the Battle of Worcester (1651) when he hid in an oak tree to avoid capture by the Parliamentary forces, and is expressed through all Chelsea Pensioners wearing oak leaves on their famous scarlet uniforms”.
In addition to the “Scarlet” uniform, the Pensioners are also encouraged to wear the “blues” as their day-to-day uniform, which is normally worn within a two-mile radius of the Royal Hospital. On its official website, it says,
“The blue uniform is also worn at breakfast and lunch in the Great Hall. Most Chelsea Pensioners wear this throughout the day in and around the Royal Hospital, but Pensioners are permitted to wear their civilian clothes whenever they wish to dress down (usually in the evenings)”.
Architecture
As a caring home, RHC is not usually open for tourists, except occasional events. It is still closed to all visitors until further notice. Fortunately, I was able to attend a book launch event – The Royal Parks in the Great War, just before the pandemic, and one of the photos attracted our attention as below. It is called “the Great Hall” –
“A dining room designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Great Hall is the largest of the interior spaces at the Royal Hospital. It has changed little in its 300 years and retains an imposing air of grandeur with magnificent oak panelling and painting of British monarchs”.
Before and after
On the left picture,
“the In-Pensioners relaxing in the Great Hall. Some are reading while others are playing snooker and other games. They are wearing the day uniform, which is navy blue with a high peaked cap. Reminders of past battles adorn the walls. Above the paintings regimental flags are displayed. Colours were taken into the field to help men located their regiment in the chaos of the battle. The ones shown here proudly show the ravages of many campaigns.” (rbkc.gov.uk)
Wren’s pure ecclesiastic style
The Chapel shows Wren’s pure ecclesiastic style. This 42 feet high chapel was built between 1681-1687. Its architectural significance was –
“The wainscoting and pews (originally for staff and Horse Guards) are by Sire Charles Hopson, the leading joiner of his day and deputy Clerk of Works at the Royal Hospital from 1691 to 1698. The choir stalls are modern additions. Backs have been fitted to the benches, and the three-decker pulpit has been dismantled to make the existing pulpit and reading-desk, otherwise the original plan is maintained. The plasterwork was carried out by Henry Margetts. The carving is by William Emmett, Master Carver before Grinling Gibbons and William Morgan. The organ case is the work of Renatus Harris, but his organ has been replaced by a modern instrument”.
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