Old Royal Naval College

London Greenwich

The Old Royal Naval College is a historic site located in Greenwich, London, within the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The site was originally established as the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich, which was designed by the renowned architect Christopher Wren and built between 1696 and 1712. The buildings were later repurposed to serve as the Royal Naval College, Greenwich from 1873 to 1998.

History

The site of the Old Royal Naval College has a rich history dating back to the Tudor period. It was originally the location of the Palace of Placentia, a royal palace built by Humphrey, Duke of Gloucester in 1428. The palace was a favorite residence of Henry VIII and the birthplace of both Mary I and Elizabeth I. The palace fell into disrepair during the English Civil War and was eventually demolished in 1694.

In 1692, Queen Mary II proposed the construction of a hospital for seamen on the site. The hospital was designed by Christopher Wren and his assistant Nicholas Hawksmoor. The design included four main buildings arranged around a central courtyard, with the Painted Hall and the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul being notable features.

Architecture

The architecture of the Old Royal Naval College is a prime example of Baroque architecture. The buildings are characterized by their grand scale, symmetry, and elaborate decorative elements. The Painted Hall, designed by James Thornhill, is particularly famous for its magnificent ceiling and wall paintings, which depict various scenes of British naval history and allegorical figures.

The Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is another architectural highlight, featuring a neoclassical interior designed by James Stuart after a fire in 1779. The chapel's interior includes a stunning altarpiece by Benjamin West and intricate woodwork by Grinling Gibbons.

Current Use

Today, the Old Royal Naval College is a popular tourist attraction and a center for education and cultural events. It is home to the University of Greenwich and the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. The site is also used for various film and television productions due to its historic and picturesque setting.

Related Pages

• Greenwich
• Royal Borough of Greenwich
• Christopher Wren
• Baroque architecture
• Painted Hall
• Chapel of St Peter and St Paul
• University of Greenwich
• Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
• Royal Naval College, Greenwich
• Palace of Placentia