Chelsea Pensioners

[Miss Jane]

Hi,

According to the 1851 census, one of my direct ancestors was a Chelsea Pensioner. Does anyone know how I can get hold of military pension records, particularly Chelsea Pensioner records?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,

Jane.

[corbie]

Hi Jane,
   We recentley got our uncle's records from thr Chelsea Hospital ( as it is now known) They were really helpful to us, admitted it was a recent death but I'm sure they will do what they can for you. Here is the way to contact them;
     Major (Ret'd) J T Tatham.
     Museum Curator
     ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA
     Royal Hospital Road
     London SW3 4SR

        Tel,020 788 5203

        Fax 020788105463

  Email  johntatham@chelsea-pensioners.org.uk
          Hope you find what you want and good luck in your search.
                       Sue (corbie)
     

[Miss Jane]

Hi Sue,

Thanks very much for that! I'll follow it up.

Regards,

Jane.

[Ruth]

Historic records from Chelsea will be at the National Archives.  Have a search for him in the series WO 97 on their catalogue.  Military service records prior to the 1850s have been indexed by name so he ought to turn up.  Go to http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/search.asp and put his name in the Word or phrase box and WO 97 in the Department or Series Code box.

[Ruth]

Hi again

What I should also have said was you should read the National Archives' research guide on the subject as this points you to many other document series which could hold useful information.

http://www.catalogue.nationalarchives.gov.uk/rdleaflet.asp?sLeafletURL=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Ecatalogue%2Enationalarchives%2Egov%2Euk%2FLeaflets%2Fri2006%2Ehtm&lBack=-1

Hope this link works - if it doesn't just search for Chelsea Pensioners in the Site Search and pick the British Army : Soldiers' Pensions leaflet at the top on the right.

Ruth

[Miss Jane]

Hi Ruth,

Thanks very much for that! It's been very helpful. My ancestor was listed in the WO97 records on the National Archives site. 

Regards,

Jane.