What are the origins of this fun-filled festive custom?
The Chelsea Pensioners are a select group of British army veterans who reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England. Instantly recognized for their scarlet uniforms and tricorne headwear, these old soldiers have served their country in military campaigns all over the world. The hospital was founded in 1692, when the first veterans were given sanctuary. Today, this unique building stands as the covenant that exists between the nation and its armed forces. But how exactly did this venerable institution evolve, and what are the traditions that uphold it?
Click through and learn more about the Chelsea Pensioners.
Members of the corps and In-Pensioners of the Royal Hospital wore scarlet coats with blue linings and facings and tricorne hats. One of the first veterans to be admitted to the hospital was William Hiseland (pictured), who claimed to be the last survivor of the English civil wars.
One very special occasion eagerly awaited by all Chelsea Pensioners is Founder's Day, the highlight of the Royal Hospital Chelsea's calendar.
In 1692, the Royal Hospital Chelsea was inaugurated. Set adjacent to the River Thames in the countryside of Chelsea, the new infirmary welcomed the first group of 99 veterans in February of that year. By March, the hospital housed a full complement of 476. In lieu of an army pension, these former combatants enjoyed full board and accommodation and were known as In-Pensioners. Those veterans receiving their pension from the Royal Hospital but living outside it were called Out-Pensioners.
The Royal Hospital Chelsea is accessible to the public. An on-site museum details the history and life of the building and its residents.
Renowned English architect Sir Christopher Wren (pictured) was commissioned to design the building. Sir Stephen Fox, a trusted and able royal administrator of the king, was tasked with raising the necessary funds for its completion.
Responding to these needs, in 1681 King Charles II issued a Royal Warrant authorizing the building of an almshouse, or hospital, to care for those "broken by age of war."
By 1815, there were over 36,000 Out-Pensioners. The Royal Hospital remained responsible for distributing army pensions until the Ministry of Defense took over the role in 1955, following which the phrase "Out-Pensioner" became less common. Meanwhile, the term "Chelsea Pensioner" had largely replaced "In-Pensioner."
A select number of veterans were incorporated into the Corps of Invalids, a British unit that provided garrison troops for the defense of England and Great Britain between 1688 and 1802. These individuals received the equivalent of the out-pension in exchange for performing garrison duty. Castles and palaces across the nation, including Upnor Castle in Kent (pictured), were garrisoned by the corps.
Despite its name, the hospital is actually a registered nursing home. Residents have their own private room, or berth, with an ensuite bathroom and writing desk. Living quarters are in the hospital's Christopher Wren-designed Long Wards.
Female veterans enjoy the same facilities and amenities as their male counterparts. These include a club with a bar, lounges, and restaurant.
In England until the 17th century, there was no provision made by the state for the welfare of old and injured soldiers, a fact not lost on one reigning monarch.
The provision of a hostel rather than the payment of pensions was inspired by the system in place at the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris. Wren had also based his design on the building.
In the 19th century, the Royal Hospital became known nationwide for housing veterans who once served their country during some of the biggest conflicts of the era. For example, pictured here in 1865 are survivors of the Battle of Waterloo, which took place 50 years earlier, in 1815.
The 20th century saw veterans of the Boer War join Chelsea Pensioner ranks, like this former British soldier being fitted for his new uniform.
This trio, who once served in the Durham Light Infantry, saw action in the South African and First World War campaigns.
It was during the First World War that Chelsea Pensioners, veterans of previous conflicts, were seen in considerable numbers on the home front lending support to campaigns such as Feed the Guns, an initiative to promote the sale of war bonds and raise funds for frontline troops fighting in the trenches.
The Second World War provided the Royal Hospital with a new contingent of veterans, mostly men who'd served in the European theater, including those who'd taken part in the D-Day landings.
Those pensioners who had escaped London were rehoused at Rudhall Manor in the English countryside. They remained there with nursing staff until 1946.
In the late 1930s, global conflict was threatening to revisit the Chelsea Pensioners. By 1939, veterans were parading the hospital grounds with gas masks over their shoulders.
With war looming, the old soldiers found time to offer advice to new recruits. As hostilities broke out, however, around 50 of the frailest pensioners were evacuated, and just in time.
April 16, 1941, saw one of the heaviest air raids of the Second World War. The hospital took a direct hit, the blast destroying the East Wing. Four nurses, the ward director, and eight Chelsea Pensioners were killed, with 37 other Pensioners injured.
Chelsea Pensioners were by now being referred to affectionately as the "Scarlet Army." The second half of the 20th century saw their ranks swell with former soldiers who fought in the Second World War. In this image, the veterans of 1939–1945 chat as they wait to take part in a group photograph to commemorate Victory in Europe Day.
Founder's Day celebrates the founding of the Royal Hospital by King Charles II and has taken place almost every year since the building opened in 1692.
The event is also called Oak Apple Day in reference to the future King Charles II's escape following his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651 and where he hid in an oak tree while being hunted down by Parliamentary forces. The historic episode is expressed through all Chelsea Pensioners wearing oak leaves on their uniforms.
In 2023, Philippe, King of the Belgians, acted as the reviewing officer during the Founder's Day ceremony.
A significant milestone in the history of the Chelsea Pensioners was reached in 2009 after the Royal Hospital Chelsea accepted applications for female veterans. Winifred Phillips (center left) and Dorothy Hughes became the first women Chelsea Pensioners, reflecting the increased number of female army recruits since the 1950s. Winifred passed away in 2016 and Dorothy in 2018.
Meanwhile, the Chelsea Pensioners remain iconic faces of the UK's veteran community. And as many have testified, living as one encourages a sense of pride and belonging that is so important for veterans.
Sources: (Chelsea Pensioners) (AGC Association)
See also: Celebrities who support veterans
The occasion has through the years enjoyed royal patronage, both by British royal family members and those of European royalty. Here's Queen Elizabeth II reviewing the Founder's Day parade in June 2006.
The South Grounds of the Royal Hospital serve as a venue for a number of high-profile events, including the world-famous annual Chelsea Flower Show.
Who are the Chelsea Pensioners?
Veterans of a bygone age
LIFESTYLE Veterans
The Chelsea Pensioners are a select group of British army veterans who reside at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, England. Instantly recognized for their scarlet uniforms and tricorne headwear, these old soldiers have served their country in military campaigns all over the world. The hospital was founded in 1692, when the first veterans were given sanctuary. Today, this unique building stands as the covenant that exists between the nation and its armed forces. But how exactly did this venerable institution evolve, and what are the traditions that uphold it?
Click through and learn more about the Chelsea Pensioners.