← Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Get Sleepy: Sleep meditation and stories
Spreading Christmas Cheer with the Chelsea Pensioners
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Get Sleepy is a production of Slumber Studios and is made possible thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and premium members. If you'd like to listen ad free and access weekly bonus episodes, extra long stories and our entire back catalogue, you can try out Premium free for seven days by following the link in the episode notes. Now a quick word from our sponsors.
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Welcome to Get Sleepy where we listen, we relax, and we get sleepy. I'm your host, Thomas. Thanks so much for tuning in. This evening we will begin learning about the Chelsea Pensioners, the retired soldiers known for their scarlet uniforms. They take their name from the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, where around 300 pensioners currently reside. There we'll find a community of like minded veterans with their own set of customs, their own history and culture. We'll delve into their yuletide traditions, from the stirring of the Christmas pudding to the ceremony of the cheeses. It was all written by Joe Stier and will be read by Simon. But first, let's take our time to relax and unwind. Give yourself the gift of becoming unplugged. Move into a position that feels easy and comfortable. If you're yet to do so, close your eyes. When you're ready, I'd like you to scan up and down your body and simply notice how the body feels in this moment. Adopt an attitude of curiosity. You are merely an observer noticing what's there. Now investigate places that feel especially relaxed, the parts of your body that are most snug and comfortable. What is it about those places that makes them feel so nice? Perhaps it's the temperature or the softness and tiredness of the muscles. Finally, I invite you to take some long Deep breaths begin now, breathing in and back out. Breathing in again and slowly back out. Allow a sense of calm to fill you. Let the breath fade into the background. You are free to relax and to simply follow Simon's voice. And with that being said, let's take a closer look at the charming traditions of the Chelsea pensioners in England's capital of London. This is where our story begins.
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Chelsea is one of London's most affluent neighbourhoods and has been so for a very long time. Once described as a village of palaces, former residents include Catherine Parr and anne of Cleves, two of Henry VIII's wives, as well as his daughter Princess Elizabeth, who would later become Queen Elizabeth I. It's located on the banks of the famous River Thames, a little over a mile away from Hyde park in the north. Buckingham palace is just half a mile further, a 40 minute walk in a north easterly direction. It's a route that's scenic all year round, but perhaps most of all in the heart of winter. Especially when the rooftops are capped with snow and welly clad feet crunch across the pavement. The historic streets are never more beautiful than when viewed through the glow of street lamp in the evening or when the surface of the Thames glitters silver with moonlight. Right across London to Chelsea and beyond on the northern banks of this glistening river is the setting for much of tonight's sleepy tale. The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a striking building. A historic landmark since the 17th century, its extensive gardens are Grade 2 listed, a title given only to sites of special interest. The title brings with it a set of rules and guidelines. Every effort must be made to preserve its beauty. Certainly these efforts have paid off handsomely. In winter, it's a scene from a postcard. Snow white lawns make for a charming foreground to an expansive brick mansion lined with windows. Pine trees decorate each corner of the lawn, their emerald colored branches striking against the snow. They're joined by a Christmas tree from late November. Positioned at the front and center of the building. The branches of the tree are draped with fairy lights. They glow like stars against the darkness. They illuminate the entrance and nearby gardens and cast a veil of yellow gold across the ground. The same golden hue radiates outwards from the windows that grace the front of the building. Candles, Christmas trees and flames from the fireplace appear warm and inviting behind the glass. Equally welcoming is the sound of voices joined in song from behind the walls. Somewhere within the home of the famous Chelsea pensioners, a group are practicing their Christmas carols. The title Chelsea Pensioner denotes a British Army Veteran who has chosen to live at the Royal hospital Chelsea. Around 300 veterans currently live on the grounds, having applied to do so and been successful in their efforts. One must be over 65 in order to qualify and able to live independently without financial obligations. Former soldiers and officers are welcome to apply, including non commissioned officers who have risen through the ranks. Veterans pay a weekly fee to live on the grounds of or stay there in exchange for their military pension. In return, they receive three meals a day, an en suite room and use of communal areas. The word community is at the heart of the hospital, which is part nursing home, part retirement village. The same has been true since its beginnings with the founding of the hospital in 1682. It opened to its first residence 10 years later. It came long before the days of the welfare state, when there were no state pensions or provisions for British veterans. The sick, old or injured had little means of support. They had to rely on charity or the generosity of their families. It was King Charles II who sought to rectify this problem. Issuing a writ in 1681, the king ordered the building of a Royal Hospital to care for those who were broken by age or war. The building was designed by Sir Christopher Wren, perhaps the most famous architect in British history. His list of works reads like a tour of national treasures, including St. Paul's Cathedral and Kensington Palace. The building was located by the River Thames on the site of the unfinished Chelsea College. Today, the region is a thriving part of London, but in the 17th century it was blissful countryside. The hospital grounds comprise courts and gardens, while the building itself is extensive, to say the least. Alongside the long wards, the great hall and chapel, there are opulent state apartments and a modern infirmary. The first Chelsea pensioners were admitted to the hospital on 4 February 1692. What began as a group of 99 veterans was 476 by the end of March. The term Chelsea pensioner was often applied to any veteran in receipt of a pension. Those who lived within the hospital were described as in pensioners. Those who lived elsewhere were known as out pensioners. In essence, all pensioners were Chelsea pensioners because the hospital was responsible for paying all army pensions. This was the case until 1955, when the government took over the administration of pensions. The Royal Hospital Chelsea was from then on a charity, and the terms in pensioner and out pensioner fell out of use. A Chelsea pensioner referred specifically to the veterans who lived in Chelsea within the wards of the hospital. For hundreds of years, these were only men, but this was to change. In 2009 after campaigns and applications from female veterans, the doors were finally opened to women as well. One of the first female pensioners was Dorothy Hughes, a woman who had a history of breaking with convention. She defied her parents wishes of becoming a teacher and joined the Royal Artillery. During the Second World War, Dorothy had acted as a gunner in London, a job that was dominated by men at the time. She worked with a team to shoot down enemy planes, risking her own life to keep Londoners safe. Being one of very few women to take on the job, Dorothy certainly had obstacles to overcome. The men treated her initially with hostility and suspicion. They doubted her ability to get the job done. Thankfully, the men warmed to Dorothy. The hardship of wartime bred friendship and camaraderie. Soon they saw her as a fellow soldier. She was part of a team that relied on one another. It's the thought of this camaraderie that she sought. Years later, when she applied to be a Chelsea pensioner. After years living alone as an elderly widow, she described coming to hospital as being like returning home. It's a statement that surely would have pleased Charles ii, who believed that the nation owed its veterans more than gratitude. Soldiers had risked their lives for King and later Queen and country. The least they deserved was to feel cared for and looked after. Part of this care involves providing opportunities for pensioners to socialize and enjoy each other's company. Within the grounds of the hospital, there are weekly film nights and games of bingo, as well as pottery workshops, bridge club and chances to garden. On such occasions, the veterans dress in their blues, the lesser known uniform for more informal situations. They are permitted to wear this within two miles of the Royal Hospital or to dress in civilian clothes should they wish to do so. The uniform includes a double breasted jacket, navy blue with bright shiny buttons. A bar is embroidered at the top left side, displaying the colors of the medals earned by the individual. Alongside trousers and well polished shoes, there's a tall cylindrical navy cap. The Shako, as it's known, was introduced in 1843. The initials R.H. are embroidered for Royal Hospital. Of course, many are more familiar with the red uniform, the more formal of the two, worn for special occasions. This is always worn outside the hospital, from sporting events to charity fundraisers. This uniform includes navy tweed trousers with a thin strip of scarlet sewn along the seam. It matches the bright red jacket, its pockets and sleeves embroidered in gold and navy. Down the front of the jacket are nine buttons. These are engraved with the symbol of the crown and the initials of the Royal Corps of Invalids, which the organization was Once part of medals are pinned to the jacket's top left side, while gold and black stripes adorn the top right arm. These identify the veteran's rank in the army as at the time they left the service. This uniform can be worn with one of two hats. There's the comfortable black shako for less formal occasions and for special events, the eye catching tricorn. This ceremonial piece is black and triangular with gold piping around the upper edges. It's a design that originated on the 19th century battlefield, adapted from a form of broad rimmed hat. Finding that the scythes got in the way of their vision, soldiers would commonly pin them up. They pinned up the back end when it rained as well, to prevent the water from running down their backs. This practice eventually became the tricorn hat, its design unchanged to this day. This splendid uniform adds a touch of glamour to every occasion that the veterans attend. Not only is it worn at events outside the hospital, but but also at special occasions within the grounds. This happens most notably, perhaps at the Founders Day parade, which celebrates the birthday of Charles ii. Held annually at the end of May, it's also known as Oak Apple Day. This is a reference to the famous oak tree that Charles once hid in to avoid capture by his enemies. In fact, for this reason, a gold statue of the king in the hospital's central plaza is partially shrouded in oak leaves rising up around its base. On Oak Apple Day, pensioners pin oak leaves to the front of their jackets as a mark of respect for their founding monarch. The parade is attended by every Chelsea pensioner and at least one member of the British royal family. Crowds are there by invite only to watch these dashing veterans march to drums and trumpets. Ritual and ceremony are at the core of Chelsea pensioners. They bind people together in celebration of the past. Never is this more evident than during the festive period, the most magical time of year at the Royal Hospital. The staff of the hospital make every effort to decorate the enormous building. Fairy lights, garlands and all kinds of decorations are hung from the ceilings and draped across the walls and doorways. Christmas trees are placed in every ward and in the communal areas. The scent of fresh pine wafts through the building from the branches of these trees dressed in tinsel and baubles. Better still are the years when it snows and the soaring rooftops are blanketed in white. The historic gardens grow only more beautiful when they glisten silver in the winter cold. It's a season that many look forward to for months, with celebrations beginning in late November. The first activity is a group outing to watch the illuminating of the Christmas tree. It's just a 15 minute walk from the hospital grounds to Sloane Square where the action takes place. This is a plaza on the boundary of central London between the regions of Chelsea and Belgravia. Locals are treated to a festive performance of the Chelsea Pensioners Choir, clad in scarlet. Services often begin with Franz Gruber's Stillenacht, or St. Silent Night as it's known in English. This is a piece that's especially moving, and not only because of the choir's sweet melodies. It's said to have been sung in 1914 on the battlefields of war torn France. A German opera singer named Walter Kirchoff sang it from the trenches on Christmas Day. He performed it in both German and English as an offering of peace to his enemies across the way. The French and British soldiers responded in kind, joining in with the Carroll from their own trenches. This would mark the beginning of the so called Christmas truce, an unofficial ceasefire on the Western Front. In many places, soldiers crossed no Man's land and mingled with the men that they were fighting against. They played football, sang songs and exchanged gifts and stories. They found peace and friendship in the midst of war. On occasion, the choir sings the song in German to commemorate this moment of goodwill between rivals. Whichever language it's in, this song is always moving to the audience who are hearing it, revived by these proud former soldiers. After the carols, crowds gather around an enormous pine tree in the center of the Square. There's a 10 second countdown before the tree lights are turned on and the sky is filled with colorful fireworks. The neighbourhood of Chelsea is an affluent area and no expense is spared in the quality of decorations. Fairy lights are hung on trees by every roadside, on the roofs of shops and zigzagging between buildings. It must feel magical to the pensioners as they walk back to the hospital amongst these dazzling lights. Especially as they pass the church on Sloane street, its brick facade glowing gold against the darkness. Perhaps they note the scent of seasonal mince pies served in cafes and markets along the way. Or pause to admire the decorative snowflakes dangling between trees and buildings as if they're suspended in mid air. The turning on of the Christmas lights is the first of many yuletide events. The choir will sing again at the hospital and in public from 1st December to the 25th. Special services are held on Christmas Eve and beyond in the Wren Chapel on the hospital grounds. It's here that the choir sings throughout the season and a finer setting. None could hope for. The 42 foot tall chapel was completed in 1687. It has enough room to seat 500 people, enough for the pensioners and on site staff. The exterior of the building exudes opulence and grandeur, displaying the features of English Baroque architecture. It's white and palatial, with columns around the bottom. It also boasts a domed roof and bell tower. Inside, the chapel is just as grand, with a checkered marble floor and wainscoting on the walls. Most eye catching of all is a painting of the Resurrection by the Italian artist Sebastiano Ricci. The painting stands out against the ivory ceiling and is positioned within the recesses of the domed roof. It's been there since the early 18th century, looking down on the priests and choirs who perform below. It's here as well that the choir sings their carols. This usually happens around the first week of December, sometimes in conjunction with other special events. One such occasion dates to 1692 and has been practiced annually for over three centuries. The ceremony of the Christmas cheeses is a highlight of early December. The custom began with an act of goodwill that perfectly embodies the Christmas spirit. In the late 1600s, a local cheesemonger made a gift of his product to the pensioners, a present to those retirees he called the Red Breasts of Chelsea. Today the cheeses are provided by Dairy UK, as has been the case since 1959. Products come courtesy of dozens of dairies who all wish to show kindness to these charming veterans. The ceremony takes place in the great hall of the hospital below soaring cream ceilings and gorgeous chandeliers. Light pours in through massive arched windows onto the black and white marble floors. At the end of the hallway is a historic mural. It shows Charles II poised on horseback before the hospital. He's about to be crowned with a laurel wreath from the Greek God Victory, who flies above him. Many more paintings are peppered across the walls above the long wooden tables where veterans dine. Originally, the hallway had 16 long tables, one for each of the wards within the building. The room is grand any day of the year, but when it's dressed for Christmas, it's truly something to behold. The tables are set with various decorations, from festive serviettes to Christmas crackers. Here the veterans sit for the opening of the ceremony, which is marked by the sound of trumpets. This might be followed by the hospital brass band or the soothing melodies of a string orchestra. A break in the music allows time for speeches given in front of the cheese laden table. Amongst such announcements is a blessing from the chaplain, who Gives thanks for cheese, Christmas and kindness. Many in attendance at this rather quirky event look forward most of all to the ceremonial cutting. A red coated pensioner is specially selected to cut open the first cheese with a ceremonial sword. He or she then says, I pronounce this cheese well and truly cut. Now the food can be shared amongst the tables, sometimes on cocktail sticks with grapes or pineapple. Once everyone is equipped with canapes and drinks, people come together to sing the Quartermaster's Stores. This wartime classic begins with the line there was cheese. Cheese wafting on the breeze. After that, the veterans are free to mingle to sample various cheeses, ports and ales. It's a unique occasion which brings people together and reminds many of memories long forgotten. Another highlight of the calendar in early December is the annual spirit stirring of the Christmas pudding. It takes place in the hall, like the ceremony of the cheeses, as it has for the past several decades. It begins with a performance of carols played by the hospital band. Then a large basin is wheeled into the room and positioned before a table where special ingredients are set out. Typically, there's enough to make 75 puddings, including 5kg of currants and 70 large eggs. Alongside cherries and fruit peel, there are 14 pints of stout, as well as port, sherry, rum and brand. The ingredients are blessed by the hospital chaplain before being added to the giant basin. Pensioners and staff add them one at a time and join in stirring the mixture. The final ingredients are sherry and port. Then the basin is wheeled back into the kitchen. The pensioners celebrate with a rendition of carols, including the classic O Come All Ye Faithful. The pudding mixture will remain untouched in the kitchen for a minimum of 24 hours. Then it's carefully transferred into individual basins and either boiled or steamed before being placed into storage. The flavors develop over time until they're ready to be enjoyed on Christmas Day. Then the puddings are heated and served with rum or brandy sauce, a classic dessert to follow a traditional Christmas dinner. Before Christmas Day, though, there's another the annual ceremony of the Christmas cake. It's the last of the Chelsea pensioners pre Christmas traditions and it usually takes place around the middle of December, aimed at celebrating the connection between Britain and Australia. It's a custom that began in 1949. The cake is donated by one of the Australian state governments or sometimes by an organisation like the Australian Defence Forces. It's typically a traditional Christmas fruitcake topped with a layer of sweet marzipan and wrapped in a blanket of fondant icing. Of course, the cakes donated are A great deal more elaborate than the kind that might be shared around a family table. Designs over the years have included palaces and castles, though recently they've tended to be a bit flatter than before. It's common for cakes to include images and figures that represent both Australia and Britain. There have been maps, flags, Australian wildlife and even small Chelsea pensioners in red fondant icing. Often the cakes include an edible message like the one presented in 2016, because beneath a map of Australia, red icing words read the Western Australia Government and the RSL wish the Chelsea pensioners a Merry Christmas. To the right was a bottle of Chardonnay and a punnet of grapes that grow in Western Australia. To its left were navy boats heading out of Albany and a whale shark swimming above them in the icing. At the top right corner, there was the RSL badge. RSL stands for the Returned and Services League of Australia. The last bit of space was taken up by the flag of Western Australia. The cake is different each and every year, and the pensioners look forward to seeing its design, much as they anticipate the heartwarming speeches from the Australian state representatives who travel to London for the occasion. In 2017, the group was addressed by Alexander Downer. He noted that the connection between the Australian Defence Force and the British army goes back through history. We fought side by side, he reminded the veterans, adding that the nations had shared values. The cake ceremony, he said, is a wonderful chance to to say we are one and on the same team. Once the speeches have been made, the cake naturally receives a blessing from the hospital chaplain. Then, once again, out comes the ceremonial sword, the same one used in the Ceremony of the Jesus. The veteran chosen to cut the cake is always someone with ties to Australia. Often it's a pensioner who has lived in the country. The cake is cut open to rounds of applause before everyone joins to sing the British national anthem. Then there's a round of Waltzing Matilda, a beloved folk song and the unofficial anthem of Australia. Pieces of Christmas cake are shared around the room and enjoyed with everything from wine to ale. Pensioners mingle with travellers from afar to the sound of music from the hospital brass band. It's the kind of scene that would warm the heart at any time of year, but it's particularly special on those winter days when snow is falling outside the window and the hall is lit with twinkling fairy lights. These Yuletide customs bring people together and create a sense of warmth and kinship. And for the Chelsea pensioners, Christmas is a time of peace and charity, two things we can all keep in our hearts the whole year round.