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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Chelsea Hospital
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(London SW3) The name by which the Royal Hospital in *Chelsea is more commonly known. Commissioned by Charles II (traditionally prompted by Nell *Gwyn, but there is no evidence for this) and built in 1682–92 by *Wren, the imposing building with its wings reaching down towards the Thames was designed to house 440 old soldiers. It is still home for about that number. They are known as the Chelsea Pensioners and are a familiar sight in the district in their uniforms of scarlet in summer, dark blue in winter.
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