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. 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

20th April - Easter Sunday 

• 09.00 Holy Communion
• 11.00 Choral Eucharist
   

9th November - Remembrance Sunday 

• 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 2025

Services for the Christmas season:

Sunday 21st December

• 15.30 Royal Hospital Chelsea Carol Service (doors open at 14.45)

Thursday 24 December

• 18.00 Christmas Eve First Communion of Christmas (doors open at 17.15)

Friday 25 December

• 11.00 Christmas Day Choral Matins

These services are non-ticketed entry is first come first served. The doors will be closed once capacity is reached.

By tradition there will be no services on Sunday 28th December. Sunday services resume 4th January 2026