Our Tudor past and royal connections

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Notable royal and historic buildings in Royal Greenwich

Royal Greenwich is home to many significant buildings with royal connections and historical importance. This timeline highlights key milestones associated with these sites.

Royal Blackheath Golf Club

Founded in 1716 and granted the right to use “Royal” in 1901.

Charlton House

Built in 1607 by Adam Newton, tutor to Henry, Prince of Wales.

In 1887, Princess Louise and the Marquis of Lorne visited to open a charity bazaar.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Opened in 1978 by Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, replacing the former Royal Herbert Hospital in Woolwich.

Royal Arsenal, Woolwich

  • 1696: Fireworks production began at Tower Place for military and ceremonial use.
  • 1697: Carriage Yard opened for gun carriage repairs.
  • 1717: Royal Brass Foundry established for casting guns.
  • 1773: George III visited the site.
  • 1805: After a second visit, George III suggested renaming “The Warren” to the Royal Arsenal.
  • 1914 to 1918: At its peak, the Arsenal employed almost 80,000 people during the First World War.
  • 1967: Most operations ceased.
  • 1994: Ministry of Defence vacated the site.

Royal Artillery

Founded in 1716. The first barracks were built in 1720, followed by new barracks on Woolwich Common between 1781 and 1802.

After nearly 300 years in Woolwich, the Royal Artillery relocated to Larkhill.

Royal Herbert Hospital

  • Opened in 1865 to serve military personnel.
  • Granted “Royal” status in 1900 after Queen Victoria’s visit during the Boer War.
  • Closed in 1975 and replaced by Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Royal Hospital School

  • 1806: Queen’s House used by the Royal Naval Asylum, a school for the children of seamen.
  • 1807 to 1816: East and West wings added by Daniel Asher Alexander.
  • 1933: School relocated to Suffolk.
  • 1937: Buildings opened as the National Maritime Museum by George VI, accompanied by Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth (later the Queen Mother) and the future Queen Elizabeth II.

Royal Military Academy

  • Founded in 1741 at the Royal Arsenal and relocated to Woolwich Common in 1806.
  • Notable cadets included Lord Kitchener and General Gordon of Khartoum.

Royal Armoury

  • Founded around 1515 by Henry VIII in Greenwich.
  • Master Armourer Erasmus Kirkener produced ceremonial armour for Henry VIII between 1519 and 1574.
  • The Greenwich Armoury was disbanded by 1660.