Our Story
Our iconic riverside estate boasts 500 years of rich history linking an incredible cast of monarchs and famous British figures including King Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, William and Mary, Lord Nelson and William Shakespeare.
Built on the site of 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 resting place, these walls contain a wealth of key historical moments.
Become one of our 1.2m annual visitors exploring our Greenwich campus. Drop into our free Visitor Centre to help piece together the many layered histories of our incredible riverside complex.
And now, following a £8.5-million makeover, you can also book tickets to visit our hidden gem, the Painted Hall, known as the ‘UK’s Sistine chapel’. This 18th century baroque masterpiece, the handiwork of St Paul’s Cathedral painter Sir James Thornhill, is a sight to behold.
A place worth knowing
Walk in the footsteps of monarchs, explore the monumental creations of some of England’s greatest architects and learn about the lives of heroic naval commanders and fearless sailors.
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Greenwich Palace
From 1498–1694, the site was home to Greenwich Palace, birthplace of Henry VIII and his daughters.
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Shortly before her death in 1694, Queen Mary II commissioned the construction of a new charitable institution for the care of retired men who had served in the Royal Navy.
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1873 the Naval College in Portsmouth acquired the buildings of the old Royal Hospital for Seamen and the Royal Naval College was born.
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