THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA
Christopher Joll delves into the history of a very British icon: The Royal Hospital Chelsea and its instantly recognisable scarlet-clad residents
What do Tower Bridge, the London Eye and military pensioners in scarlet coats have in common?
They are instantly recognisable London icons. While it is immediately understandable why the bridge and the wheel have such status, it would not be instantly obvious to a visitor from another world as to why 300 or so elderly veterans should share the same regard.
The reason dates back to 1661, when the recently restored King, Charles II, made a pledge to his troops departing to defend the African city of Tangier: they would “always be in his particular care”. This was the first public statement of an idea that would see its fulfilment in 1692 (seven years after his death) with the opening of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Indeed, inscribed above the portico in Figure Court are the words: “For the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war. Founded by Charles the Second, enlarged by James the Second, completed by William and Mary King and Queen in the year of our Lord, 1692.”
As with so many other great institutions, the origins …
