Date: Tuesday 26 March 2024, 12.00pm

SORRY - THIS VISIT SOLD OUT WITHIN 24 HOURS!

The story of the Royal Hospital Chelsea began during the reign of Charles II, whose vision for a home for veteran soldiers was brought to life by Sir Christopher Wren. Until the 17th century, sick and injured soldiers were cared for by religious foundations, but this ended with the dissolution of the monasteries. In 1681 Charles II issued a Royal Warrant authorising the building of the Royal Hospital Chelsea to care for soldiers 'broken by age or war'. Sir Christopher Wren was commissioned to design and erect the building, which was completed in 1692.

Our guided tour, led by a Chelsea Pensioner, costs £14 pp and will include Wren's Great Hall and Chapel, both of which have 10 steps up, and the Figure Court. There are plenty of places to sit throughout the site. The tour starts at 2.00pm at the London Road entrance (map on booking form) and finishes around 4.00pm, including time to visit the free museum, gift shop and the Army Museum café next door.