Weight: 1400 lbs Diameter: 42.5" Bell 1 of 5
Founded by William Mears 1785
Dove Bell ID: 63753 Tower ID: 25497 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Royal Naval College Chapel, Greenwich
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 386 779
Found in the heart of the Old Royal Naval College UNESCO World Heritage site, the Chapel was built as a place of worship for retired seamen. Containing a stunning Neoclassical interior, the Chapel was formally dedicated 21 June 1955 to St Peter and St Paul. As St Peter is the patron saint of sailors, imagery of the sea is found throughout the Chapel including the mosaic depiction of a ‘fouled anchor’ and ship rope bordering the floor. Benjamin West’s artwork Preservation of Paul after Shipwreck at Malta hangs above the altar.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Open 10am-5pm, closed for services and events – please check in advance.
Building
Description of Archaeology and History
Whilst the chapel of St Peter and St Paul is splendid, it was not the first to be built on the site. The archaeological remains of the original chapel and vestry of Greenwich Palace were discovered during excavation work at the Old Royal Naval College in 2005. The report published online stated that they found ‘An original Tudor vault supports the high altar platform which is covered in glazed tiles laid in geometric pattern. Further east, excavation has revealed the Vestry, linked to the chapel by as anteroom and fine carved stone doorway.
Building Fabric and Features
Anglican Chapel
Sanctuary
Ceiling
The chapel’s ceiling follows the Neoclassical style, using a strongly geometric design of squares and octagons formed by foliage and flowers. Designed by John Papworth, it is unusual in that the central ornaments were produced by hand carving, rather than being cast in mass-produced moulds. The colours of light blue and cream are also typically neoclassical and are thought to be inspired by the ceramic designer Wedgewood, who produced a line of ceramics in the distinctive shade ‘Portland blue’ around 1795
Building Materials
Marble
black and white marble floor
Interior
Interior Description
The beauty of the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul lies in its pure Neoclassical interior and the depth of history of the site. Originally designed with a Baroque interior, the Chapel was gutted by a fire in 1778 and re-opened after a remodelling by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart and William Newton, in 1789. Subtle references to the sea lie around the Chapel, including the mosaic of a ‘fouled anchor’ and rope motif, a bust of Admiral Hardy and the altarpiece Preservation of Paul after Shipwreck at Malta by Benjamin West. It also features a Samuel Green organ.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Mosaic
The Chapel’s naval references reflect the Old Royal Naval College’s original purpose as the Royal Hospital for Seamen. In the centre of the black and white marble floor, is the inlaid shape of a ship’s anchor which is ‘fouled’ as the rope is twisted and caught around the anchor, making it immovable. The marble floor also contains a mosaic rope design, which runs along the floor around the pews and reportedly matches the dimension of a ship’s anchor cable.
Commemorative Object
19th Century In the vestibule before the Chapel entrance, lies a memorial commemorating Sir John Franklin and the crews of the ships Erebus and Terror, who died during the famous 1845 expedition in search of the North-West Passage. Created by Richard Westmacott Junior
Organ (component)
18th Century The Chapel also contains a Samuel Green organ, thought to be the largest organ built by him still in its original position. In 1798 it cost £1000 and is still in use by the organ scholars of the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance. Its case is also an amazing example of carved Spanish mahogany, designed by William Newton and costing £500.
Historical Notes
1798 - 1798
Period Qualifier: 2
Altarpiece
Covering the sanctuary wall from altar to ceiling (25 feet by 14 feet) and depicting the Preservation of St Paul after Shipwreck at Malta, West’s painting is in keeping with the maritime theme of the Chapel and was one key reason the chapel is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul. The chapel vestibule also contains four Coade stone sculptures designed by West of draped female figures representing Faith, Hope, Charity and Humility
Bells
Weight: 232 lbs Diameter: 22" Bell 2 of 5
Founded by William Chapman 1781
Dove Bell ID: 63755 Tower ID: 25497 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 316 lbs Diameter: 24" Bell 3 of 5
Founded by William Chapman 1781
Dove Bell ID: 63756 Tower ID: 25497 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 330 lbs Diameter: 25.5" Bell 4 of 5
Founded by Richard Phelps 1702
Dove Bell ID: 63757 Tower ID: 25497 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 598 lbs Diameter: 31" Bell 5 of 5
Founded by John Warner & Sons 1889
Dove Bell ID: 63758 Tower ID: 25497 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
The Chapel contains two marble busts of naval figures whom the retired seamen may have been familiar with. Sir Francis Chantrey’s bust is of Admiral Keats, who fought in the American Revolution, French Revolutionary War and Napoleonic War, and the other is by William Behnes of Sir Thomas Hardy, famously Nelson’s flagship captain, both of whom became governors of the Greenwich Hospital
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 386 779
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Churchyard Structures
Commemorative Monument
Red marble obelisk in the grounds outside, dedicated to Rene Bellot who died in his 1853 expedition to locate Franklin and his crew
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
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