Royal Hospital Chelsea

Outside view of the Chapel designed by Sir Christopher Wren

The Royal Hospital, Chelsea was founded by King Charles II as a retreat for old or disabled soldiers and opened in 1692 by William and Mary. It is still fulfilling its original purpose, as a home for the famous 'Chelsea Pensioners'. The Hospital has always employed a resident organist, the most famous of whom was Dr Charles Burney, and the professional choir now provide music for the main Sunday services and many other regular events.

The buildings are one of the finest (and largely undiscovered) architectural treasures of London. They were built by Sir Christopher Wren in the late 17th century, similar in concept to Les Invalides in Paris. Wren included a beautifully proportioned chapel with collegiate-style seating which is enhanced by wood carving by Grinling Gibbons and a spectacular mural painting by Sebastiano Ricci.

The recordings for this CD were made by the Chapel Choir in the Chapel during 8-10th July 1997

Page revised 03.09.2000