Invicta Hotel was proud to welcome a couple of Chelsea Pensioners last week. Easily recognisable by their famous red coats they made a lovely sight and brightened the Hotel up instantly. All who met them loved talking to them and hearing all their stories, people were lining up to buy them drinks and have their photos taken with them. They were even invited to meet the Mayor whilst they were here. By the end of their stay they were firm members of the family and we are delighted to hear they are returning to us at Christmas.
There are few institutions in the United Kingdom with an unbroken three centuries of service and none of them so close to the heart of the nation as "The Men in Scarlet", the Chelsea Pensioners, and their home, the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Founded in 1682 by King Charles II and intended for the 'succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war', the Royal Hospital, with its Grade 1 listed buildings, still serves its original purpose.
To qualify for the Chelsea Pensioners one must be a commissioned officer or soldier of the British Army who is:
In receipt of an Army Service or War Disability Pension for Army Service.
Normally 65 years of age or over
Free from any obligation to support a partner or family
Also eligible for admission are any former officers of the British Army who meet the criteria provided they served for at least 12 years in the ranks before obtaining a commission or if they were awarded a disablement pension while serving in the ranks.
Chelsea Pensioners are permitted to wear civilian clothes outside the Royal Hospital, and Pensioners can come and go as they please. Within the Royal Hospital and around, Chelsea Pensioners are encouraged to wear a practical blue uniform. On all official occasions they wear the famous scarlet coats, complemented for ceremonial events by tricorne hats.
When in Scarlet, Chelsea Pensioners are immediately recognisable and are an important part of the London scene. Many home and overseas tourists like to stop, talk and admire the uniform, many also want to take a photo! Chelsea Pensioners meet an amazing range of people both inside and outside the Royal hospital. Pensioners are invited and are guests of honour at many events, ceremonies and Royal occasions.
The grounds of the Royal Hospital are magnificent and the architecture beautiful, which makes the Royal Hospital, a really pleasant place to live. The Pensioners have their own licensed club, Post Office, putting and bowling greens, croquet lawn, handicraft workshops, allotments and library.
Many active Pensioners like to help in the running of the hospital by volunteering perhaps as tour guides or helping in the museum, shop, library or Hospital.
Women In-PensionersAfter years of fundraising, the Hospital is finally in a position to accept women, who will live temporarily in the new Margaret Thatcher Infirmary, which was built entirely through donations. The women will then move to more permanent accommodation alongside the men, but more funding is needed to refurbish this area before the move can take place.
For more information
http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/
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