Soane Stable Yard

The Soane Stable Yard provides a new starting point for visitors to the Royal Hospital. It offers a chance to explore our rich history and experience everything the Royal Hospital has to offer today.

Eminent architect Sir John Soane, whose legacy includes the Bank of England and Dulwich Picture Gallery, also in London, was the Royal Hospital’s Clerk of Works for 30 years. He designed and built the Grade II listed stable yard between 1814 and 1817, repurposing many materials from Wren’s original structure. The stable yard provided stalls for 25 working horses, housing for nine carriages and two flats for stable boys and coachmen. 

The buildings have undergone an extensive renovation project thanks to a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund with support from other benefactors and charitable trusts. Overseen by architect, Laura Morgante, of Peregrine Bryant, the restoration has conserved the historic fabric from both Wren and Soane’s buildings and reinstated architectural features – like the beautiful chimneys damaged during the Second World War – using innovative conservation techniques.  Throughout the project we have adopted a sustainable and accessible approach while endeavouring to conserve the spirit and beauty of Soane’s design.

The Soane Stable Yard now houses the Chelsea Pensioners Museum, a Café by Heidi Bakery, a Shop and Post Office, an Activity Room and the Veterans Outreach Centre.

Address: Chelsea Gate, Royal Hospital Road. London. SW3 4SR (plan your visit here)