Having been made aware that the Royal Hospital Chelsea had its own Walking Cricket team, the Cavaliers hierarcy took the opportunity to make contact, and were very kindly offered the opportunity to visit the Royal Hospital and play a match against The Chelsea Pensioners at the famous Burton Court cricket ground, just across the road from the hospital.

Prior to the match starting, we were given an informal but extremely informative tour of the hospital, which included the recently added museum and then onto the main building to see the Chapel and Great Hall. The hospital was designed by Sir Christopher Wren and opened in 1692 and is now home to around 280 Army vertrans. The final part or the tour enabled us to see a representation of an original "berth", their individual accomodation, which we were told has improved greatly over the years.

Following our tour, a 12 over a side "pairs" match was held at Burton Court with the more experienced Cavaliers team taking home the spoils in what is hoped will be the first of an annual home and away fixture for the foreseeable future.

Our hosts then treated us to refreshments before those who wished retired to the on site hostelry for something a bit stronger, to learn more about The Chelsea Pensioners and their historic home.

A truly memorable and remarkable afternoon, which is highly recommend to Avorians members who wish to undertake an official tour hosted by one of the residents.

Tours of the Royal Hospital Chelsea