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GR021 - Edition 2,000
Chelsea Pensioners
Founded by Charles II in 1682, and designed by Sir
Christopher Wren, the Hospital was initially funded from private
donations (including from the King himself) and a tax levy. But in 1684,
Paymaster General Stephen Fox introduced a contributory pension scheme
for all officers and soldiers to pay for the Hospital. The first
Pensioners took up residence in 1692.
The Pensioners have two uniforms – their "undress" (navy blue), and the
better-known red coats and tricorne hats. These are worn on Oak Apple
Day on 29 May, to honour the birthday of the Hospital's founder, when
the Pensioners parade and adorn the King's statue with oak leaves. This
commemorates his escape after the Battle of Worcester in 1651, when the
claimant to the throne hid in the Boscobel Oak. I’m sure that Michael
and Dusty qualify for residency through age !!
