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Chelsea Pensioner- The Royal Hospital Chelsea.
My limited edition soldier depicts a Chelsea Pensioner wearing the traditional uniform of the Chelsea Pensioners, the distinctive scarlet coat and tricorne hat.

Chelsea Pensioner

Until the 17th Century the state made no specific provision for old and injured soldiers. Care for the poor and sick was provided by the religious foundations. Much of this provision ended following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536. During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I it became recognised that provision needed to be made for the poor and for sick and disabled soldiers. This led to an Act of Parliament, passed in 1593, that levied a weekly tax (not exceeding 6d in the pound) on parishes for the relief of soldiers and sailors.

In 1645 Parliament decreed that pensions to disabled soldiers should be paid from national funds, not local taxation.By 1673 it was already being noted that some soldiers were no longer fit for service. It was common practice for maimed or old soldiers to be kept on regimental rolls, or sent on garrison duty - thus impairing the effectiveness of an army that was under heavy demand.

King Charles was determined to make provision for the soldiers on the English establishment and on 22nd December 1681 he issued a Royal Warrant authorising the building of the Royal Hospital. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren and completed in 1692 the Royal Hospital has changed little in its long history. From its distinctive red brick exterior to its beautifully designed interiors the Royal Hospital remains a remarkable and historical building.

The first Chelsea Pensioners were admitted in February 1692 and by the end of March the full complement of 476 were in residence.The early funding of the Royal Hospital Chelsea was made from deductions from army pay, with occasional funding from other sources (such as the sale of commissions). This continued to be the Royal Hospital Chelsea main source of revenue until 1847. Since then the Hospital has been supported by Government.

Strictly Limited Edition Wooden Chelsea Pensioner

Click here for details of the large hand carved wooden Chelsea Pensioner.

Wooden Soldier Regimental Histories

All of my wooden soldiers are made in strictly limited editions, click here for a regimental history of each soldier.