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Royal Hospital Old Burial Ground

Introduction

The Old Burial Ground has table tombs, headstones and slabs, some dating from the 18th century and handsomely carved, and it is an important military cemetery.

Cemetery within the grounds of the Royal Hospital that served the pensioners residing there. It accommodated some 10,000 burials between its consecration in 1691 and closure in 1854/5 since pensioners were not normally given a headstone and the ground was re-used. There are some fine monuments including a number from the C18th.

Sources consulted:

'The Royal Hospital Chelsea' guidebook 2002; Hugh Meller & Brian Parsons, 'London Cemeteries, An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer', 4th edition (The History Press, 2008). See EH Register

For more information see http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=KAC126

Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts

Access contact details

Access is by application to the Royal Hospital Constable at London Gate.

Directions

Nearest tube station - Sloane Square (Circle and District lines).

Owners

Royal Hospital

Other Websites

Features & Designations

Designations

  • The National Heritage List for England: Register of Parks and Gardens

  • Reference: Royal Hospital Chelsea
  • Grade: II
Key Information

Type

Funerary Site

Purpose

Sacred / Ritual / Funerary

Principal Building

Religious Ritual And Funerary

Survival

Extant

Open to the public

Yes

References

Contributors

  • London Parks and Gardens Trust