Do Chelsea Pensioners have their own room?

Accommodation is provided in the newly refurbished Long Wards, where you will have your own bedroom with en suite facilities and study area. In the communal lounges you can socialise with fellow Pensioners and admire the magnificent views of the Royal Hospital.

Who can live in Chelsea pensioner?

To be eligible for admission as a Chelsea Pensioner, a candidate must be a former non-commissioned officer or soldier of the British Army who is: Over 65 years or of State Pension age (whichever is the greater)

Can you visit Chelsea pensioners?

Tours are booked through our Tours Manager either by email at [email protected] or by telephone on 0207 881 5237. Bookings can be made 3 months in advance. Bookings open on the first weekday of every month.

Where do Chelsea pensioners live?

the Royal Hospital Chelsea
The Chelsea Pensioners are the iconic faces of the UK’s veteran community. They reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, their 326-year-old home founded by King Charles II in the heart of London.

Do Chelsea Pensioners wear uniform all the time?

The blues and shako uniform is worn on a daily basis by most Che sea Pensioners. It can only be worn within a two mile radius of the Royal Hospital and is often worn in the Chelsea Pensioners’ Club for social events, as well as at meal times.

Is there a navy equivalent to Chelsea pensioners?

A Greenwich Pensioner was the Naval equivalent of a Chelsea Pensioner.

Can Chelsea Pensioners be married?

They must be over 65 years of age, be able to live independently on the Long Wards on arrival at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and be free of any financial obligation to support a spouse or family.

How does a person become a Chelsea Pensioner?

To be eligible to become a Chelsea Pensioner, you must be a former soldier or non-commissioned officer of the British Army (including National Service), or a former officer of the British Army who served in the ranks for at least 12 years or was awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks.

Are there any Chelsea Pensioners left?

The Royal Hospital Chelsea is home to 300 retired British soldiers, male and female (the latter since 2009), and is located on Royal Hospital Road. Historically, the term “Chelsea Pensioner” applied more widely, referring to both In-Pensioners and Out-Pensioners who live elsewhere.

Where are Chelsea Pensioners buried?

Following the closure of the Old Burial Ground pensioners were buried at Brompton Cemetery between 1855 and 1893 and have since been buried at the New Plot at Brookwood Cemetery in Surrey since 1962; the Old Plot at Brookwood having closed that year.

Do Chelsea Pensioners have to be single?

You must have no living dependents – i.e. you need to be single with no family to support. If at a later date you decide to marry, another deserving veteran would take your place.

What does RH mean on a Chelsea Pensioners hat?

In 1843 shako caps were introduced that were of a similar design to the army uniform of the day. The shako caps are embroidered with the letters RH, the initials of the Royal Hospital and are very popular with the Chelsea Pensioners as most find them more comfortable to wear than the tricornes.