2-631-875 - Historic England/Heritage Images

Royal Hospital Chelsea, London, 2006. Aerial view showing the Royal Hospital from the Thames. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1683 by Charles II as a provision for old or injured soldiers, on the model of the Invalides in Paris (which was founded in 1670). It was designed by Sir Christopher Wren to accomodate up to 476 in-pensioners. Construction was completed and the first pensioners were admitted in 1692.