On the site of the Tudor Palace in which Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I were born, is a range of some of the most palatial buildings in the country.
Begun for Charles II by architect John Webb, it was completed by Christopher Wren, Nicholas Hawksmoor and John Vanbrugh as the Royal Hospital charity, founded by William and Mary in 1694 to care for disabled and veteran sailors.
The hospital closed in 1869. Four years later, the Royal Naval College was moved from Portsmouth into the Royal Hospital buildings. The magnificent painted hall, the work of Sir James Thornhill in the 18th Century, and the Chapel, designed by James 'Athenian' Stuart, are open to the public.
More about the Chapel (of St Peter and St Paul).
The rest of the buildings are now used by the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music (which occupies King Charles Court).
Did you know?
Sir James Thornhill was paid three pounds a square yard for painting the ceiling and one pound a square yard for the walls – not much money for 19 years of work, even back then!
Old Royal Naval College images
More information
For opening times and information about the Royal Naval College's history, visit the Old Royal Naval College website.
Address
King William Walk
Greenwich
London SE10 9NN
Location map of Old Royal Naval College
Related links
Available for hire – Old Royal Naval College
GreenwichCard major attractions discounts