Our History
This iconic riverside estate boasts 600 years of rich history linking an incredible cast of monarchs and famous British figures including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, William Shakespeare, King William and Queen Mary I and Vice-Admiral Lord Nelson.
Built on the site of the Palace of Placentia, also known as Greenwich Palace, this extraordinary building, designed by esteemed architect Sir Christopher Wren, has seen life as both a Royal Hospital and a Royal Naval College. From Henry VIII’s birthplace to Lord Nelson’s lying in state, these walls contain a wealth of key historical moments.
Become one of the 1.2m annual visitors exploring Greenwich. Drop into the Visitor Centre to understand the many layered histories of these grounds, visit the iconic Painted Hall, known as the ‘UK’s Sistine Chapel’ or spend time in the St Peter & St Paul Chapel to find out why it is considered to be one of the finest 18th century interiors in existence.
Greenwich Palace (1498 – 1694)
Welcome to Greenwich Palace, one of the great royal houses of Tudor England. What is today a calm, picturesque site has witnessed centuries of turmoil, births, deaths, marriages and much physical change. There are many fascinating stories to tell.
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Royal Hospital for Seamen (1694 – 1869)
The Royal Hospital for Seamen is one of the world’s great architectural treasures. Founded by Queen Mary II and designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the Hospital was created to provide a refuge for elderly and injured Royal Navy seamen.
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Royal Naval College (1873 – 1997)
This ‘University of the Navy’ taught officers the seamanship skills needed for an era when steam power was replacing sail. It quickly became the most highly rated naval officers’ training college in Europe, earning a reputation for academic rigour.
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The Greenwich Foundation (1998 – today)
For 25 years The Greenwich Foundation has conserved the magnificent baroque buildings and grounds of the Old Royal Naval College for present and future generations.
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