The Old Royal Naval College was originally established by Royal Charter in 1694 as a Royal Naval Hospital for the relief and support of seamen and their dependents.
Sir Christopher Wren planned the site and, during the early 1700s, a number of different architects completed his design. In the 1800s, the number of Pensioners dropped steadily and the Hospital was closed in 1869.
But soon after, the Royal Naval College moved in. Here, a short distance from the sea, were trained ship captains who commanded the fleets that projected British military and economic might throughout the world.
The college stayed on this site until 1998, when the Royal Navy moved the college to Shrivenham. The site is now occupied by the University of Greenwich and Trinity College of Music.
Much earlier on this site, Henry VIII is reputed to have had his favorite palace.
Now continue towards the hill, and across a busy street (Romney Road), to the Queen's House.
