On a Chelsea embankment is one of the most stunning and beautiful buildings in London
Never forget
On a Chelsea embankment is one of the most stunning and beautiful buildings in London. The Royal Hospital Chelsea is similar to Les Invalides in Paris and is home to some 300 veterans from the British Army.
The residents are known as Chelsea Pensioners and the home on this site was founded in 1682 by King Charles II. It is said that the idea for the establishment came from the King’s mistress, Nell Gwyn, with inspiration taken from the similar establishment in the French capital.
Some of the first soldiers admitted included those injured at the Battle of Sedgemoor between British soldiers and rebels from Monmouth in Wales. Over the centuries, it has continued its amazing work and though part of the building was destroyed in WWII, it remains an important example of the nation’s commitment to looking after veterans.
Residents at the home are free to come and go as they please and can wear civilian clothes but are encouraged to wear ‘the blues’, a standard uniform whilst at the home. The more famous image is of the Chelsea Pensioner dressed in distinctive scarlet coats and tricorne hats, wearing full medals. Again, there is freedom to wear these at will, but they are particularly encouraged on state and celebratory occasions.
In 2009, The Margaret Thatcher Infirmary was opened in the grounds. It houses around 100 Chelsea Pensioners and is a state-of-the-art care home with an integral doctors’ surgery. A little-known fact is that the ashes of both the former prime minister of the UK and those of her husband, Dennis, are interred in the grounds of the infirmary.
Possibly the most famous event each year at the RHS Chelsea is the annual flower show. Formally, this was known as ‘The Great Spring Show’ and has taken place at the hospital each May since 1912 (prior to this, the same event was held in Kensington). Famously, the Royal family attend and it was a particular favourite of the late Queen Elizabeth. Increasingly, it has become an extravagant display of garden innovation and is popular for corporate entertainment and celebrity endorsement.
It is possible to arrange an expertly-guided tour to the Royal Hospital by one of the residents. Expect an ‘insider’ detailed tour of this amazing building from a red-cloaked and medalled veteran with a real and animated history of this astonishing building.
The Graham Norton Show
Graham Norton is a national treasure in the UK and hugely popular for his unique interview and chat skills on the BBC show with his name.
He is, of course, Irish, not British, and was born in Clondalkin, County Dublin, in 1963. London has been his home for many years and despite an horrific street attack in which he was nearly killed in 1989, he clearly enjoys life in the UK capital.
However, he is on the move from his house in Wapping, East London, and if you have £5 million (€5.9 million) to spare, then you could find yourself living in his amazing former home. Graham has lived in this beautiful Georgian townhouse for some 20 years. Overlooking the mighty Thames in an area of London which has become increasingly gentrified in the last few decades, this house apparently had another famous owner in the 1990s, the Radio 1 DJ, Peter Powell.
Dating from 1811, when Mad King George III was still clinging onto the throne with his son, the Prince Regent, running the show, this beautiful home has four bedrooms, and the main suite covers the entire top floor. There are also five wonderfully appointed reception rooms. A private beach can only be accessed from the garden twice a day at low tide and, of course, swimming in the Thames is not everyone’s cup of tea!
To the west are wonderful views towards the City encompassing the Tower Bridge and the Shard and, with central London on your doorstep, this property looks good value – in London terms anyway!
Talk About – Pop Music
Many areas in London can claim the title of ‘Music Central’. Think of Abbey Road in North London and the Beatles, Soho and just about any pop or rock groups from the 60s to the 90s or King’s Road Chelsea and Punk Rock. However, no area has a great claim than Camden.
Camden is, of course, famously where the hugely talented Amy Winehouse lived and tragically – and way too early – died. Many punk groups were closely associated with this area, perhaps most famously The Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Ramones.
It is fitting, therefore, that a new immersive experience has chosen Camden as the location for something which promises to be quite special.
Live Odyssey opens this month in Camden Town and is offering “An unparalleled experience, exploring six decades of British music from Beatlemania to the Grime Revolution and everything in between – with never-before-seen exhibitions and memorabilia, as well as expert insight into the music courtesy of veterans of the UK music industry.”
Using cutting-edge technology including holographic performances and live bands, this experience will really bring music to life. Bespoke decor, bars offering various mood-enhancing drinking opportunities and ‘a pumping sound system’ will create a unique atmosphere for those wishing to step backwards and forwards in time.
John Lennon’s sister, Julia Baird, will unveil a multi-sensory exhibit dedicated to her brother at the opening which details the early years that shaped Lennon through to a life of stratospheric fame with the Beatles. Tickets range between £24.75 (€29.26) and £38.50 (45.52) and bookings made through www.liveodyssey.co.uk
Electric Bar
Battersea Power Station in South West London is an absolute wonder of our modern city. The former power station has been converted into one of the most interesting immersive experiences available in the Capital.
There are unique shops, restaurants, outdoor areas, sports facilities and experiences including a great glass elevator which literally rises through one of the old chimneys to offer one of the most fantastic views of London. www.lift109.co.uk
Visitors should not miss one of the most interesting bars in town which is located high up on the eastern side of the building. Control Room Bcaptures the spirit and atmosphere of the building when it was a fully functioning power station in the 1950s.
All the original control room equipment, which astonishingly survived decades of dereliction, is located around the bar and includes the control desks, switch gear and synchroscopes. The staff are dressed in engineers’ overalls and there is even a 90 minute ‘escape room’ experience for those who wish to get up close and personal to the machinery!
A visit to Battersea Power Station is a day out in itself and this bar is a total joy. www.controlroomb.com
