As usual we set off from St Andrews Church leaving at 9:30 and soon after 10:30 were enjoying a morning coffee and croissant in the modern cafeteria at the National Army Museum.
The next couple of hours were spent exploring this modern museum illustrating the history of the British Army from its origins in the 1600's to modern day conflicts in the twenty first century.
After lunch we assembled at the gates of the Royal Hospital Chelsea where we were met by our Pensioner Guides resplendent in their red uniforms. We were given a short film presentation of the history of the Hospital before setting off on our tour.
Passing Figure Court with the splendid gold statue of King Charles II in Roman General's Uniform we were taken to the most important part of the complex (according to our Guide!), The Great Hall or dining room.
The Pensioners receive three meals a day with lunch being the main one. Along the walls are details of all the campaigns fought by the Army.
It is no longer possible to visit the Long Wards where the Pensioners were had their living quarters, the berths which were six foot by six foot, designed by Sir Christopher Wren were upgraded in 1991 to nine by nine foot before being completely modernised in 2015 with en-suite facilities. However an original berth has been preserved and as we found out they are very small.
After a visit to the Chapel we moved onto the Museum with a magnificent diorama of the whole site.
Such was the enthusiasm of our guides, Alan and John, to tell us all about their magnificent home the planned ninety minute tour stretched to two hours and if our coach hadn't been waiting we would probably have had another hour on top! Thank you Alan and John you gave us a wonderful afternoon.
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