Genealogy Chat

Jill This is what it says about the berths on the Royal Hospital website: The four-storey Wings enclosing the East and West sides of Figure Court contain the In-Pensioners’ living quarters, which are known as Long Wards. The original berths, as designed by Wren, measured six feet (1.8 metres) square. Each berth was provided with a bed, a straw mattress, a flock mattress, two pairs of sheets, three blankets and a coverlet. There was barely any space for furnishings which included a wooden chest, mounted on castors with a padlock and key, and a built-in table fitted with a drawer. Originally washing facilities were provided in each Long Ward. All the toilets (‘privies’) were located at the end of each outer courtyard where they could be easily emptied. For night use each Ward therefore had 8 brass pails, along with a pewter bedpan for the Sergeant. Lighting was provided by nine “lanthornes” in each ward, but due to the risk of fire the use of candlesticks was stopped in 1769. Gas lighting was installed in 1854, but it was not until the early 20th Century when electricity was substituted for gas, that there was any lighting in the berths. The East and West Wings are symmetrically planned, with a pair of Long Wards arranged back-to-back on each of the four floors. Each Long Ward is 200 feet (61 metres) long with a line of wainscoted berths running down the inner side, now containing 18 berths. The stairs at the northern ends were designed to be shallow and wide for the convenience of the older and infirm. The staircase in the East Wing is modern, having been damaged by bombing in 1940. The wood used to repair it was left over from the repair of the House of Commons and the repaired wall is picked out in lighter brick. Wren provided separate stairs at the south end of each Wing as a means of escape in case of fire. Each Long Ward contains two fireplaces, which during the 19th century were fitted with ranges and were, until 1955, used for the cooking of rations. Central heating was installed from 1928 and lifts from 1926. The berths were enlarged in 1954-55 and again in 1991 to their present size of 9 feet by 9 feet (2.7 by 2.7 metres). In addition the berths were roofed over and better lighting and ventilation installed. Each berth is now furnished with a bed, a table, a chair, a wardrobe and a chest of drawers, together with a bedside light, radio and television point. Complete privacy can be secured by closing the berth door and shutter. A mock up of a berth is on show in the Museum. The facilities are being upgraded to meet the needs of the 21st Century In-Pensioner. Improvements to bathing and WC facilities are planned and an IT suite has been opened. However, all the works have to take account of the historic structure. Improved access arrangements for In-Pensioners with disabilities is also planned. regards Looby

Jill Could just be that the person writing the certificate didn't understand the context in which 'berths' was being used, it would be rather unusual, whereas someone in a 'hospital' might daily deal with 'births' in the conventional spelling. regards Looby

Sandy - Thanks for the site, will check it out. If I disappear for a while it is because there will be maintenance work on the transmitter for the internet that we use this afternoon. Jill

There's a picture of the berths on wikipedia(.)org/wiki/Chelsea_Pensioners withan article about them. Interesting. Sandy

It definitely says births on the cert but the person writing it could have got it wrong I suppose. Am just going to have a search about for him. Thanks again everyone.

Hi Jill Have just sent them to you Looby

I saw a documentary on Chesea pensioners a while back and berths would be an accurate description of the sleeping arrangements. From what i remember the beds were dark wood cabin beds

Jill, Perhaps it should have been 'Master of Berths' ... although I would have though this more likely if it had been a naval establishment???! Good luck, Annie

Reggie - The sons name was Richard and he was 38 at the time of the marriage on 23/02/1860. The marriage was in Shettleston, Lanark so dont know if this causes you any problems. Karen - The cert is very difficult to read, it looks like an R after Chelsea but I could be wrong. Thanks for the websites, will try them now. Thanks for your help.

Hi Jill On the 1861 Census there is a ????? Jack (unfortunately the bottom corner of the page is torn, so can't confirm the forename) shown as a Chelsea Pensioner at the Royal Hospital on the census, but no mention of 'Order of' anything. Have saved it if you want to have a look. Just PM me with your email addy. Regards Looby PS Jill, have just checked the 1871 and he comes up as 'William Jack' born Scotland 1794, Chelsea Pensioner, have saved that as well if you want it.

chelsea-pensioners (dot) org (dot)uk is the webby - replace (dot) with .

Chelsea Royal Hospital is an Old Soldiers Home, so I'm slightly confused. It might be worth dropping the hospital a line and seeing what info they have. Its the home of the Chelsea Pensioners btw.

I have just found the marriage certificate for my ggg grandfather and on it his fathers occupation is stated as Master of Births Chelsea R Hospital London. His name was William Jack and his sons marriage took place in 1860. Does anyone have any idea what this was and where I could find out more about him? Thanks Jill