London - Royal Hospital

Built 300 years ago as a home for veteran and invalid soldiers, the Royal Hospital still houses more than 500 "Chelsea pensioners", old and disabled soldiers who on special occasions wear the traditional uniform of Marlborough's time, with scarlet frock-coats in summer and dark blue overcoats in winter.

The Hospital was founded by Charles II in 1682, probably on the model of Louis XIV's Hôtel des Invalides in Paris (1670). The original buildings were designed by Wren (1682-92); an extension was built by Robert Adam (1765-82); and the complex was completed by Sir John Soane (1819). The entrance to the Hospital is by the London Gate, on the northeast.

Must-see attractions nearby:

Victoria & Albert Museum

Greenwich

To the east of the road is a museum illustrating the history of the Royal Hospital. In the Figure Court is a bronze statue of Charles II, a masterpiece by Grinling Gibbons. On Founder's Day (29 May) this is decked with oak boughs (commemorating Charles's escape after the Battle of Worcester by hiding in an oak tree), and the pensioners receive double pay.