From variety to uniformity
When the Hospital first opened there was no formal uniform provided. It is believed that the very first Chelsea Pensioners would have worn their old, issued uniform, with a variety of facing colours dependent upon the regiment in which they had served.
The introduction of the Scarlet in 1704 standardised the Chelsea Pensioners’ clothing and made them immediately identifiable. However, the shade of red and blue varied according to the materials available.
From revulsion to respect
In the early years, the vibrant red tunic marked the Chelsea Pensioners as old soldiers – and soldiers were typically regarded as rough men.
By the 19th century, public perception had evolved and the Scarlet came to symbolise bravery, courage and pride. W H Pyne in 1804 wrote: ‘who can have passed the aged soldier in the uniform of a Chelsea Pensioner without having felt a sentiment of respect glowing in his bosom, as a pleasing tribute to the defender of his country’.
