Chelsea, in the Olden & Present TimesBryan, George
History
Chelsea, in the Olden & Present Times
Bryan, George
Chelsea (London, England) -- History
Chelsea Hospital is generally considered to be a fine specimen of Sir
Christopher Wren’s professional abilities. It possesses a superior air
of grandeur, more spacious arrangement of the principal parts, greater
attention to the central points, for grace and effect, and a higher
degree of chastity maintained in the whole structure than any public
design entered into by Sir Christopher Wren, or his immediate successors.
* * * * *
At the grand entrance, from the King’s Road, are four detached stone
piers, with breaks, with an entablature, on which are military trophies.
These piers, by their disposure, give three passes; the iron gates much
modernised; dwarf walls, having cornices in succession, containing small
door-ways. Two lodges, right and left, carry on the line, containing
four compartments, or blank windows each.
* * * * *
The central approach, from the King’s Road to the north general front of
the Hospital, including the Royal Avenue, has a very imposing effect,
with trees on either side.
* * * * *
It would be impossible to give in this work an architectural description
of Chelsea Hospital, or of its arrangements. It is within the reach of
every inhabitant of London, and now as our country friends have the
benefit of frequent railway excursions, almost every person in the
country, may at any time give this home of England’s worn out and gallant
defenders a personal inspection. Still it is necessary that a general
sketch of the building and grounds should be given. I have therefore
extracted most of the following particulars from Mr. Gleig’s admirable
work.
* * * * *
Chelsea Hospital occupies, with the buildings, courts, gardens, and
offices attached, an area of something more than 54 square acres. Its
principal courts, or quadrangles, are three in number; of which the
central alone existed in 1690, though the good taste of a modern
architect has provided that no discordance in style should be anywhere
perceptible between the nucleus and the additions which have, from to
time, gathered round it. Over the whole, there hangs an air of sobered
and collegiate repose, as far removed from gloom on the one hand, as from
garishness on the other; a character every way suitable to the purposes
to which the edifice has been set apart, and in strict accordance with
the habits and condition of its inmates.
* * * * *
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account