Tricentennial commemorative service for Sir Christopher Wren, architect of Royal Hospital Chelsea

Overview

Join The Revd. Steven Brookes, Chaplain of the Royal Hospital Chelsea and Deputy Priest in Ordinary to His Majesty The King, and the Royal Hospital Chelsea congregation in the magnificent surroundings of the Wren Chapel for this special service to commemorate one of the Nation’s greatest architects.

A titan of English architecture, Sir Christopher Wren designed the Royal Hospital Chelsea as a purpose-built home for Army veterans, with doors opening to the first residents – fondly known as the Chelsea Pensioners – in 1692. Wren’s original design, perfectly preserved today, accommodated 412 veterans and their officers around Figure Court (now the central quadrangle). Wren later added two further buildings – Light Horse and College Court.

300 years after Wren’s death, the Royal Hospital remains one of the country’s most loved and valued working historic buildings and continues to fulfil the same purpose for which it was founded. Built between 1681-7, the Chapel at the Royal Hospital Chelsea is a rare example of Sir Christopher Wren’s pure ecclesiastical work.

The music at this service of Choral Matins will particularly feature the works of celebrated English Restoration composer Henry Purcell (1659-1695) and will be sung by the Royal Hospital’s critically acclaimed Chapel Choir, directed by Organist and Director of Music William Vann and accompanied by Organ Scholar Charles Maxtone-Smith.

Entry and exit to the site is via Chapel Gate on Royal Hospital Road.