The Old Royal Naval College is honouring its rich military history by launching a new Armed Forces concessions policy, hoping to welcome serving and former members of the British Royal Navy and Armed Forces to this must-see London destination.
As Trafalgar Day approaches, the Old Royal Naval College reflects on its pivotal role in Britain’s maritime heritage and its significant links to Vice Admiral Lord Nelson. The new Armed Forces concessions policy includes free entry for serving Royal Navy personnel, and a concession rate for current and former Armed Forces personnel.
From its important beginnings as Henry VIII’s Greenwich Palace, to becoming a hospital for retired sailors, it then served as a crucial training facility for Naval Officers for over a hundred years from 1873 – 1997. The magnificent Painted Hall within Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic Old Royal Naval College was also the site of Lord Nelson’s laying-in-state after the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Trafalgar Day annually celebrates the Royal Navy’s victory over the combined French and Spanish fleets on 21st October 1805 under the command of Nelson. The Old Royal Naval College are marking the occasion by running free Nelson-themed tours for all Painted Hall ticket holders, Old Royal Naval College members and patrons, exploring Nelson’s important role in the Battle of Trafalgar and his significant links to the Old Royal Naval College.
This fantastic new concession scheme aims to open up the Old Royal Naval College for those interested in its rich maritime history to explore the stunning riverside grounds and tour the magnificent Painted Hall. The UK’s finest Baroque interior, the Painted Hall’s vast decorative scheme took Sir James Thornhill 19 years to complete and tells the story of Britain’s triumphant naval power.
The Painted Hall reopened earlier this year having had its remarkable painted interior brought vividly back to life. The two-year conservation project, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, reversed years of decay and conserved the Painted Hall for generations to come. Day beds have even been provided to encourage visitors to spend time appreciating the spectacular ceiling and new multimedia guides are available in seven languages, along with expert talks and interactive packs for children. History buffs can explore the room where Admiral Lord Nelson’s body lay in state and can see the recently discovered Tudor foundations of Greenwich Palace in the King William Undercroft which also houses a new café, shop and interpretation gallery.
The Painted Hall entry fee is valid for a year for return visits and includes a 45 min – 1 hour guided tour, taking in all aspects of Wren’s riverside masterpiece including the famous Water Gates, Grand Square and Chapel. It also includes access into the Skittle Alley and the opportunity to play a game of Victorian skittles with your friends and family. The brand new multimedia guide provides an informative and playful introduction to the paintings. Visitors looking for a more sensory experience will enjoy a collection of 13 exquisite touch objects inspired by characters and items depicted on the ceiling, such as a replica of Athena’s shield with its depiction of Medusa. To ensure the Painted Hall remains accessible to as many people as possible People’s Wednesday, on every first Wednesday of the month, is a pay as you wish initiative.
Don’t miss visiting the Old Royal Naval College and the Painted Hall, an essential destination in Greenwich.
