Established by King Charles II for the care of veteran soldiers. The original idea was suggested by the King's Paymaster General, Sir Stephen Fox, in 1681 and was probably inspired by the Hôtel des Invalides in Paris and a similar institution for the Irish army. Christopher Wren, designer of St Paul's Cathedral, was appointed architect for the project. The site itself had been an unsuccessful theological college in the early years of the century after which the government used the buildings to house Dutch and Scots POWs. The king laid the foundation stone in 1682 and 476 pensioners were admitted in 1689. The building work itself was completed three years later and, save for minor alterations made by Robert Adam in 1765-82 and Sir John Soane in 1814, remains more or less unchanged to this day.
Gen Whitelock was cashiered at the hospital in 1807 after his court martial for surrendering the fortress of Montevideo. The Duke of Wellington lay in state here between 10 and 17 November 1852. The crowds that gathered to file past his coffin and pay their respects were so numerous that two of them were killed in the crush.
The in-pensioners, usually about 420 in number, are organized into six companies. Men over 65 (55 if unable to earn a living) are housed, fed, clothed, cared for when ill, and receive a small weekly allowance. The pensioners wear a distinctive three-quarter length uniform coat, navy blue in winter and scarlet in the summer, which dates from the 18th century. A three-cornered hat is also worn on special occasions and ceremonies. Oak Day (29 May) is held in the central quadrangle and marks their royal founder's birthday. Foliage is draped on the statue of Charles II and the pensioners carry sprigs. A harvest festival also takes place in the autumn.
— Jon Robb-Webb
