Page 22 - PBCMarch2016

22
Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 13 No.1 March 2016

One key point Albert made clear was that their uniforms are “scarlet”
not red! They also have a blue coat, and their choice of attire is
dependent upon how far they go once outside of the hospital gates.
In 1680 Britain had had a standing army for over 35 years, and so
there were a number of soldiers returning from the wars that had
nowhere to go. It was built of brick and stone, and although founded in
1682, it wasn’t completed until 1692. Sir Christopher Wren’s initial
design was for approx. 400 veterans & officers, but it was realised that
this would not provide enough space, so he added two extra quadrangles,
now known as the East Court & West Court. The clerk of works was
Robert Adams, and he is always remembered for the design of the
Albert Willis windows. Throughout time, these windows have never been changed, so
no double-glazing for the men & women in scarlet.

The in-pensioners live in berths on wards, with
accommodation in the East & West wings. Originally the
berths were 6ft square, but later increased to 9ft
square. The berths were centrally constructed back to
back down the centre of the wards facing outwards onto
the ‘corridors’ and windows. There were 36 in-pensioners
on each floor of each wing, with 2 showers, 3 WC’s and 5
washbasins to each floor. More recent modernisation (on-
going) has improved these conditions with some self-
contained suites; a great improvement for those chosen
to have them.

The Great Hall was originally used as a dining hall, and
then for a period in the early 1800’s as a recreation hall,
plus it was where the Duke of Wellington lay in state. It
reverted to a dining hall in the mid 1950’s. And a
splendid hall it is – and their daily menu is as good a
reason for being there you could imagine.

The big event for the residents (apart from being selected to attend the Pickwick
lunches) is the Royal Hospital Founder’s Day at the end of May each year, to commemorate
King Charles birthday. It is also known as Oak Apple Day to commemorate the escape of
the King when he hid in the Royal Oak following the Battle of Worcester.