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| The Old Royal Naval
College is the great baroque masterpiece of English architecture, set in
landscaped grounds on the River Thames in the centre of the Maritime
Greenwich World Heritage Site. The UNESCO designation recognises the
site as being of "outstanding universal value", as Greenwich
comprises the finest and most dramatically sited architectural and
landscape ensemble in the British Isles. Greenwich Hospital was established in 1694 by Royal Charter for the relief and support of seamen and their dependants and for the improvement of navigation. Sir Christopher Wren planned the site, described as "one of the most sublime sights English architecture affords", and during the first half of the eighteenth century various illustrious architects, such as Hawksmoor and Vanbrugh, completed Wren's grand design. The elaborate ceiling and wall paintings in the Great Hall (known as the "Painted Hall") were executed by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726. The chapel was restored by James "Athenian" Stuart after a fire in 1779. In 1869 the Hospital was closed, and in 1873 the complex of buildings became the Royal Naval College , where officers from all over the world came to train in the naval sciences. In 1998 the Royal Navy left Greenwich and handed over responsibility for the site to the Greenwich Foundation. In the Autumn of 1999 the University of Greenwich began teaching here, and were joined in October 2001 by Trinity College of Music. The grounds of the Old Royal Naval College, together with the Painted Hall and the Chapel are now open to the public daily. For further information go to Visitor Information. The College is also frequently used as a location for film and television productions; for further details of this facility contact Alf Johnstone on 020 8269 4795 or by email: ajohnstone@greenwichfoundation.org.uk. |
Copyright © 1999-2003 Greenwich Foundation |
