Part of the Old Royal Naval College, the Chapel of St Peter and St Paul is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit. The beautiful Chapel of St Peter & St Paul was built between 1696 and 1712 as part Sir Christopher Wren’s original design for the Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich. After a devastating fire, the Chapel was rebuilt in 1779 by James ‘Athenian’ Stuart.
Исторический контекст и назначение
Built for charitable public purpose the Old Royal Naval College was established by Royal Charter in 1694 for the relief and support of seamen and their dependants. As the nineteenth century wore on, with peace established, numbers of Pensioners declined and the Hospital finally closed in 1869. Soon after this the Royal Naval College moved in heralding a new beginning for the site as a naval training centre for officers from around the world. In 1998 the Royal Navy departed for its new base at Shrivenham and responsibility for the College passed to the newly established Greenwich Foundation.
In Tudor times, the resident monarchs of the Palace of Placentia would have worshipped at the original Chapel Royal. Archaeological digs have unearthed many artefacts from the site of the old Chapel, now the Queen Anne Car Park. As an avid fan of choral music, the Chapel Royal was regularly frequented by Queen Elizabeth I. The worshipping Pensioners would have understood this image.
Архитектура и интерьер
It was designed by the master plasterer John Papworth in a neo-classical design of squares and octagons. The intricate central ornaments were carved, rather than cast in moulds. The influence of the artist, Benjamin West, can be seen all over the Chapel, particularly in the huge altarpiece. We see St Paul shipwrecked on the island of Malta. Miraculously he is able to cast it into the flames. This is one of West’s most ambitious paintings.
It was completed at a cost of £1,000 in 1789 and is probably the largest instrument built by Green still in its original position. The Chapel is open daily to all, regardless of tradition or background.
Музейные и приходские связи
You are very welcome to visit our parish to enjoy our heritage at first hand. The history and traditions about the Apostle Peter are important to us, as our church is dedicated to him. The saints in our school name are associated with the history of Greenwich. Saint Alfege was a much loved and revered Archbishop of Canterbury, who in 1012 was abducted and murdered by invading Danes on the site of St Alfege Church.
Our HistorySt Alfege with St Peter’s CofE School was founded in 1849 as St Peter’s school and was adjoined to St Peter's Church. St Peter’s Church was damaged by a bomb in the second world war and subsequently demolished. In 1951 the parish of St Alfege and St Peter were formerly united. The school changed its name from St Peter's School to St Alfege with St Peter's Church of England Primary School on 24 April 1972.The main school building dates from 1860 and has been listed by English Heritage as being of historic and architectural interest.
Доступность и посещение
Access to the Chapel for wheelchair users is via a lift from College Way. Please let us know in advance so a member of staff can assist you. The lift cannot accommodate mobility scooters, but we can provide a wheelchair for use during your visit. A stairmate is also available for entry. Wheelchairs available - Manual wheelchairs are available to hire from the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre open 10am-5pm. These are allocated on a first come, first served basis. There is a deposit of £50 which is refunded when the wheelchair is returned.
Coach parking - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. Drop Off Point - If you are travelling by coach, there is a coach drop off point in Stockwell Street (SE10 9JN) which is a 10 minute walk to the grounds. Parking with charge - Please note that there is limited parking in Greenwich, particularly at weekends and we encourage you to use public transport if possible. Currency Exchange - Available at the Tourist Information Centre in the Visitor Centre, open 10am-5pm.
Связанные памятники и местные достопримечательности
AHOY! Cutty Sark is the last surviving tea clipper and the fastest ship of its time. Royal Naval College - Greenwich (provided by Paul Gillett)
Краткие факты
- Построена между 1696 и 1712 годами по проекту Кристофера Рена.
- Перестроена в 1779 году Джеймсом 'Athenian' Stuart после пожара.
- Интерьер в неоклассическом стиле - дизайн Джона Папворта (квадраты и восьмиугольники).
- Знаменитая алтарная картина Бенджамина Веста - одно из самых амбициозных его произведений.
- Доступна для посетителей ежедневно; имеются опции для людей с ограниченной мобильностью.