The Royal Hospital Chelsea Chapel
Overview
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Building Fabric and Features
Anglican Chapel
17th Century
Historical Notes
1682 - 1702
Period Qualifier: 2
Apse
Choir
Ceiling
The ornamented ceiling of the chapel is vaulted in a semi-circular shape, and terminates at the east end with an half-dome apse.
Organ Loft
At the west end is an organ gallery, carved in a similar style to the rest of the woodwork.
Floor
The floor is of black and white marble squares, laid diagonally
Wall
The walls are panelled from the floor up to the sill of the windows, which join a large reredos that lines the wall of the apse
Window
Building Materials
Marble
Interior
Fixtures and fittings
Reredos
The reredos is a more elaborate continuation of the panelled walls, and is much more heavily adorned with pilasters and finials. At the centre of the reredos is a curved pediment, supported by four columns, which covers a back panel displaying a star and the monogram IHS in gold.
Box Pew
17th Century Original box pews survive on the north and south walls, although these have been restored more recently.
Historical Notes
1600 - 1699
Period Qualifier: 2
Stall
The choir stalls and other seating are modern.
Organ (component)
18th Century to 21st Century The original organ was made by Renatus Harris and installed in the early years of the eighteenth century. The original casing is still in situ, and sits on an organ gallery supported by pillars above the west door. The instrument was replaced in 1811, again in the 1920s and in 1978. In 2005 it was modified and extensively adjusted.
Historical Notes
1700 - 1750
Period Qualifier: 2
1811 - 1811
Period Qualifier: 1
1920 - 1929
Period Qualifier: 1
1978 - 1978
Period Qualifier: 1
2005 - 2005
Period Qualifier: 1
Wall Painting
18th Century The dome of the apse is decorated with an image of the resurrection of Christ, surrounded by a heavenly host and carrying a banner displaying a cross. The artist was Sebastiano Ricci, with help from his nephew Marco, who were most likely funded by Queen Anne as a donation to the Hospital in 1714.
Historical Notes
1714 - 1714
Period Qualifier: 2
Churchyard
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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