Living History Reenactors
Location:
Royal Hospital Chelsea (Soane Stable Yard Courtyard)
Date & time:
Saturday 3 Oct 2026, 11.00am - 3.00pm
Price:
Free
Living History at the Soane Stable Yard Meet costumed reenactors bringing Chelsea’s past to life.
About the event
Step back in time at Living History at the Soane Stable Yard, where a vibrant cast of reenactors brings Chelsea’s extraordinary past to life, from the days of Roman Londinium to the revolutionary spirit of the 20th century.
Meet the characters who shaped the story of this remarkable place:
Marcus Aurelius – Roman Centurion:
Marcus Aurelius will talk about life in Londinium in 125 AD and what it was like to be a centurion – the drill, his weapons and day to day life in the city.
Thamesbuga – Anglo-Saxon storyteller:
Thamesbuga is from the time of Alfred the Great.
She will tell the history of the Anglo-Saxons – how they came to live in England and their many battles with Viking invaders.
Kitty Marion – Suffragette:
Kitty Marion was not only a musical hall artiste but a prominent member of the Women’s Social and Political Union (WSPU) as a militant suffragette. She campaigned for the right of women to vote. Marion was convicted and jailed several times.
Christopher Wren – architect:
Sir Christopher Wren (1632–1723) was an English architect, mathematician, and astronomer—best known as one of the most important architects in British history. He played a central role in rebuilding London after the Great Fire of 1666 including St Paul’s Cathedral and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.
Set within the atmospheric Soane Stable Yard, this immersive experience invites visitors of all ages to explore, ask questions, and connect with history through the people who lived it.
Festival planning
Getting between Chelsea History Festival venues: This event takes place at Royal Hospital Chelsea. Many Chelsea History Festival venues are within walking distance of one another, but journey times vary. If you are booking events close together, please allow enough time to travel comfortably between venues.
Estimated walking times from this venue: 3 minutes to National Army Museum, 5 minutes to Garrison Chapel, 8 minutes to Chelsea Physic Garden, 9 minutes to Royal Court Theatre, 11 minutes to Cadogan Hall, 16 minutes to Chelsea Old Church and 25 minutes to Chelsea Theatre.
Additional information
Enter via Chelsea Gate. Free, drop in.
FAQs
Is the Royal Hospital Chelsea accessible?Yes, the Royal Hospital Chelsea is fully accessible. If you need further access information or help please do get in touch tours@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk or call 0207 881 5200.
Bikes (including folding bikes) and scooters are not permitted. There are bike racks located along Royal Hospital Road. These can be used to secure any bikes and scooters.
Please do not secure any bikes or scooters to the railings outside the Royal Hospital Chelsea or Burton Court. Any items secure to these railings will be removed.
What’s on
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Join Ashley Barnett as he tells the true story of Operation Postmaster, which has recently appeared on the public stage following its ‘inclusion’ in the 2024 Guy Ritchie film, The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare.
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