Backpackers Guide to London

Royal Naval College

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Introduction

The Royal Naval College in Greenwich, London, England is beautifully located by the River Thames, on the site of the Palace of Placentia where once lived King Henry VIII, who is incidentally a known naval enthusiast. When Henry VIII moved to Kensington Palace in his final years, Mary, his wife and Queen, transformed the Palace of Placentia into a hospital for the Royal Navy. The building’s architecture was ingeniously designed by Sir Christopher Wren.

History

It was during this era that the masterpiece of The Painted Hall was done by artist extraordinaire Sir James Thornhill. The Painted Hall is a massive dining hall that—because of its exquisite craftsmanship and artistry—can be considered one of London’s most unique works of art. It took 19 long years to finish. Interestingly, Thornhill was paid 3 pounds per square yard for painting the ceiling, and 1 pound per square yard for the walls.

In 1869, the hospital had to be closed down due to a significant decrease in residency. The Admiralty then took over the venue and used it as the new campus for The Royal Naval College when it transferred from Portsmouth in 1873. The National Maritime Museum was put up in the compound and most of the royal artefacts and memorabilia were moved here.

Just a few years ago, the Royal Navy moved out to join the other Armed Forces in a single location. Hence, the massive Greenwich establishment was vacant once again. The Greenwich Foundation for the Royal Naval College was then set up to assume responsibility for the estate. It was decided to lease some buildings to the University of Greenwich and the Trinity College.

Features

Famous tourist attractions here are The Queen’s House, which is now part of the National Maritime Museum; the Royal Naval College Chapel which holds worship services for the public every Sunday at 11am; The Dreadnought Library, which used to be The Royal Naval Hospital Infirmary and later The Dreadnought Seamen’s Hospital; and The Royal Observatory where the Prime Meridian can be found (a demarcation line which is the actual and official representation of zero degrees longitude).

Ashlee House, 261-265 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8QT, England
Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 9400 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9677