Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College, located in the heart of Maritime Greenwich, London, stands as the architectural gem of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO describes it as having “outstanding universal value” and regarded it as one of the finest architectural and landscape settings in the British Isles. Initially, the site was home to a royal palace before evolving into Greenwich Hospital, designed by Sir Christopher Wren and constructed between 1696 and 1712 to serve injured sailors of the Royal Navy. Following its closure in 1869, the buildings became the Royal Naval College from 1873 to 1998 before being transformed into a cultural and educational hub managed by the Greenwich Foundation.

The Old Royal Naval College sits on the grounds once occupied by Bella Court, later renamed the Palace of Placentia by Queen Margaret in the 15th century. The palace, rebuilt by Henry VII, became known as Greenwich Palace and was the birthplace of Tudor monarchs Henry VIII, Mary I, and Elizabeth I. Over time, the palace fell into disrepair during the English Civil War. It was largely demolished by 1694, except for one incomplete building by John Webb, which was later integrated into the hospital complex.

In 1692, the Royal Hospital for Seamen was established by Mary II to care for sailors wounded in battle. Built on the site of Greenwich Palace, it was designed to be both functional and beautiful, with notable features like the Chapel and the magnificent Painted Hall. The latter was decorated by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726, showcasing a grand baroque interior. After the hospital’s closure in 1869, the remains of sailors interred on the site were moved to East Greenwich Pleasaunce in 1875.

In 1873, the hospital buildings were converted into the Royal Naval College, a training centre for the Royal Navy. The site remained in naval hands until 1998, when it was passed to the Greenwich Foundation, marking a new chapter for the historic grounds.

Since 1998, the Greenwich Foundation has worked to restore the site and breathe new life into the Old Royal Naval College. The buildings, now Grade I listed, have been repurposed to blend educational and cultural spaces. The University of Greenwich took over parts of the Queen Mary, King William, Queen Anne, and Dreadnought Buildings in 1999 under a 150-year lease. Trinity College of Music followed in 2000, leasing King Charles’ building and filling the air with music as students practice and perform.

The site is now open to the public, offering free access to the Painted Hall, Chapel, and expansive grounds. Guided tours are available daily, allowing visitors to explore the rich history and beauty of the space. One particular addition is the Nelson Room, where Admiral Nelson’s body was held before his state funeral. It now displays memorabilia and artwork honouring his legacy.

Given its picturesque setting, the site is frequently used for filming. Over the years, it has appeared in numerous television programs, advertisements, and significant films. Notable productions include The Bounty, Patriot Games, Shanghai Knights, The Madness of King George, Four Weddings and a Funeral, and The Mummy Returns. More recently, the grounds were featured in Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Les Misérables, and The Dark Knight Rises.

In 2014, the Old Royal Naval College embarked on an ambitious project to restore the Painted Hall, often referred to as the “Sistine Chapel of the UK.” The conservation work spanned three years, focusing on the Lower Hall’s 3,700 square meters of artwork. As part of the project, the public was invited to take “ceiling tours,” offering a rare opportunity to see the painted ceiling up close and observe the conservators at work. The hall reopened in 2019 to widespread acclaim, with the restoration receiving several awards for its excellence.