Wren Chapel & Services

About the Wren Chapel

The Wren Chapel, built between 1681 and 1687, is a rare and pristine example of Sir Christopher Wren's ecclesiastical architecture. Originally designed to accommodate about 500 people, it served all the staff and Chelsea Pensioners of the Royal Hospital.

The Chapel's interior features original wainscoting and pews crafted by Sir Charles Hopson, with additional carvings by William Emmett. The apse displays a painting of the Resurrection by Sebastiano Ricci, dating back to 1714, likely a gift from Queen Anne.

Consecrated in 1691, the Chapel once held compulsory services twice daily. Today, services are typically held on Sunday mornings, preceded by a parade of the Chelsea Pensioners in Figure Court.

Regular Wren Chapel Services

All are welcome to our chapel services that are held in the Wren Chapel every Sunday.

Sundays

• 09:00 - Holy Communion
• 11:00 - Choral Matins (or, on occasion, Choral Eucharist: see Music Lists for full details)

For more information call 020 7881 5214 or email chapeladministrator@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk

Special Services in 2026 

Easter Services

5th April - Easter Sunday 

• 09.00 Holy Communion
• 11.00 Choral Eucharist

Remembrance Sunday 

Remembrance Sunday in 2026 will fall on 10th November 11.00.

This is a non-ticketed event first come first served.

• 10:15 Chapel gates open
• 10:45 All to be seated
• 11:00 Service starts

Latecomers may be admitted at an appropriate time after the 2-minute silence. The doors will be closed once capacity is reached.

Christmas 2026

* Full details and timings to be confirmed shortly.

Sunday 20th December

• 15:30 - 16:30 Christmas Carol Service*

24th December - Christmas Eve

• 18:00 - 19:00 First Communion of Christmas*

25th December - Christmas Day

• 11:00 - 12:00 Choral Matins*

By tradition there will be no services on Sunday 29th December 2026. Sunday services resume 5th January 2027.