The first chapel

The interior of the original chapel was much plainer than today, with a flat panelled ceiling, an apse (alcove) at the east end, and much smaller galleries.  For many years there were no pews, and the injured sailors had to stand during their daily service.  At 6am on 2 January 1779, a tremendous fire gutted the building, leaving only a shell.  It was thought to have started in a tailors’ workshop in the adjacent building and there are various theories about how it started. It is possible that a candle was knocked over during an uproarious party.  Others believe it was arson, with the fire started by a sailor recently expelled from the Royal Hospital.

James Athenian Stuart

James Stuart, as Surveyor at the Royal Hospital for Seamen, was appointed to re-design the Chapel in 1781. He acquired his name following a visit to Athens when he became fascinated by ancient Greek architecture and design. The Chapel reflects these influences and Greek style and patterns are used throughout. Stuart left much of the work to his Clerks of Works, Robert Mylne and William Newton who deserve much of the credit for the way the Chapel looks.

The Chapel is dedicated to St Peter and St Paul, both of whom have connections with water and the sea. The chapel is full of naval symbols, intended to remind the residents of the Royal Hospital for Seamen, who had to worship there daily, of their former lives.

Features that merit a special mention include the vast altarpiece painting by Benjamin West, the Samuel Green organ (the only one of its kind to remain in situ) and the outstanding examples of craftsmanship, including numerous items made from Coade stone.

The Chapel today

Following extensive restoration in the 1950s, the Chapel today looks much as it did in 1798 when it re-opened after the fire. There are regular services throughout the week and on Sunday mornings – all welcome. 

Sun 11.00 - Choral Eucharist

Mon 18.30 - Choral Evensong (term time)

Wed 13.05 - Holy Communion (term time)

The excellent acoustics of the curved ceiling mean it is often used for concerts. Students from our on-site partner, Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance hold regular performance classes and recitals. Particular care is taken to feature music by composers contemporary with the age of the building. 

For details on religious services, recital and concerts in the Chapel and guided tours visit our events calendar

If you are interested in finding out more about the Chapel, join one of our knowledgeable Yeomen guides on a guided tour. You can also explore the Chapel by downloading our interpretation guide:

•   Chapel interpretation guide - English (Pdf, 1.59MB)
•   Chapel interpretation guide - German (Pdf, 1.55MB)
•   Chapel interpretation guide - French (Pdf, 1.58MB)
•   Chapel interpretation guide - Spanish (Pdf, 1.58MB)
•   Chapel interpretation guide - Japanese (Pdf, 1.77MB)

This guide is also available in English, German, French, Spanish and Japanese from the welcome desk in the Painted Hall for 50p purchase. Every purchase helps to support the ORNC.