Governor's Lecture Series - "Bombing of the Soane Infirmary"
Governor's Lecture Series - "Bombing of the Soane Infirmary"
Join us for a special talk to mark the anniversary of the bombing of the Soane Infirmary at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Date: 16th April 2025
Location: Soane Stable Yard, Royal Hospital Chelsea
Time: 18:30 (Duration 1 hour).
‘The Wednesday’. The most devastating air-raid of the Blitz in Chelsea.
On the evening of Wednesday 16th April 1941 air raid sirens heralded the beginning of the most devastating air-raid of the Blitz in Chelsea. Iconic buildings such as Chelsea Old Church were destroyed in the bombing, whilst the duration and ferocity of the raid was such that it earned its own moniker, ‘The Wednesday’.
This would be the worst night of the Second World War for the Royal Hospital Chelsea, as the Soane Infirmary received a direct hit, resulting in casualties amongst nurses and their bed-bound Chelsea Pensioner patients.
Martin Cawthorne, author of The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War, details the dramatic events of the night, whilst setting the raid in the broader context of the Royal Hospital’s war.
Don’t miss this chance to remember and reflect on this historic moment. Reserve your tickets today!
Tickets: £15 - Each ticket includes a glass of wine.
Special Offer: A limited number of signed hardback copies of The Royal Hospital Chelsea at War will be available for purchase at the Gift Shop in the Soane Stable Yard. All proceeds from hardback sales benefit the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Timings:
- The Soane Stable Yard shop and café will be open from 17:00-18:30.
- Drinks reception in Heidi Bakery from 18:00-18:30.
- Lecture begins 18:30
- Lecture Ends 19:30.
If you have any questions, or issues with your booking, please email tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk, stating your name, phone number and issue and we will get in contact with you.
Please note we cannot take bookings via telephone but if you wish to visit our site at the Soane Stable Yard and ask for the Duty Manager we will be able to assist with purchasing tickets via our shop till.
