Old Royal Naval College, London

The most famous riverside landmark in London is undoubtedly the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich and you really shouldn’t miss a visit to this lovely World Heritage Site.

The buildings were designed by Sir Christopher Wren and his assistant Nicolas Hawksmoor in 1696. After Sir Christopher’s death Sir John Vanbrugh took over the supervision of the construction which was terminated in 1712.

The college was first built as a hospital on the site of the Palace of Placentia. Queen Mary II commissioned the building because she wanted a naval hospital and rest home for sailors, as a counterpart to Chelsea Hospital which was for soldiers.

The hospital was “split” to avoid spoiling the view of the river from Queens House. There are four main buildings, called Courts: King Charles Court, Queen Mary Court, Queen Anne Court and King William Court. There are two gatehouses and a processional route to Queens House and park beyond. The hospital became the Royal Naval College in 1873 until 1998.

In the King William Court you can admire the famous Baroque Painted Hall. On the ceiling of the Lower Hall are portraits of King William III and Queen Mary II; Paintings of Queen Anne and Prince George of Denmark grace the ceiling of the Upper Hall and King George I is to be found on the North wall of the Upper Hall.

The lovely chapel in Queen Mary Court is also open to the public. The University of Greenwich has taken out a 150 year lease for the Queen Anne, King William and Queen Mary Courts. Visits include the Jacobean undercroft (cellar) and the Victorian skittle alley. In the Visitor Centre you will find documentation about the architectural craftsmanship of the college and you can enjoy a drink and a snack in the Old Brewery Café next to the Centre.

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