The Old Royal Naval College

The Old Royal Naval College (ORNC), is an architectural masterpiece that is situated along the lower banks of the River Thames at Greenwich. Designed by Sir Christopher Wren, and designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ORNC is considered to add ‘outstanding cultural and universal value to the world.’ It is a jewel in the royal crown of maritime Greenwich, and has been described as the ‘finest and most dramatically sited architectural and landscape ensemble in the British Isles’. Constructed to act as a Royal Hospital for Seamen at Greenwich, the Greenwich Hospital was approved by King William III in 1694, and built between 1696 and 1712. It was established upon the grounds of the Palace of Placentia, an English royal residence, which later became known as Greenwich Palace. This royal palace, was the birthplace of several Tudor monarchs including Henry VIII, Mary I and Elizabeth I. The original hospital was closed in 1869, but it was then repurposed as the Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Today, it’s one of London’s leading cultural and historical sites, and home of the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music. The Painted Hall was originally commissioned by Queen Mary II, and designed as a dining room for retired and convalescing naval officers. The elaborate, baroque interior was painted by Sir James Thornhill between 1707 and 1726. Thornhill was an English artist and architect, who specialised in classical paintings. He was also responsible for painting the interior of the great dome at St Paul’s Cathedral, Chatsworth House, Blenheim Palace and Wimpole Hall. The Painted Hall ceilings and walls, depict over two-hundred figures, including kings and queens, as well as mythological creatures. The ornate, large scale paintings, tell the story of political change, cultural history and some of the great sea battles that forged the British Empire. It covers an area of over 3,700 square meters (40,000 square feet), and is considered by many to be Thornhill’s greatest achievement. The magnificent and fantastical depiction of historical and mythical scenes, has earned the Painted Hall the reputation of being the “Sistine Chapel” of Great Britain. The Old Royal Naval College has featured in many leading Hollywood movies and television series. These include The Bounty, Patriot Games, Four Weddings and a Funeral, The Mummy Returns, Pirates of the Caribbean and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider amongst many others.