Greenwich pensioner
Encyclopedia
A Greenwich pensioner was the Naval
equivalent of a Chelsea pensioner
.
Although the initial concept of a Greenwich pensioner was that of someone living in the Royal Hospital Greenwich, the institution became responsible for the payment of pension
s in 1804 (taking over the responsibility from the Chatham Chest
).
Consequentially, an ex-sailor (or ex-Royal Marine) living in Royal Hospital Greenwich would be known as an "in-Pensioner." Those persons who were in receipt of a pension, but lived elsewhere, were known as "out-pensioners".
It was permissible for out-pensioners to apply for entry to Greenwich, thereby relinquishing their out-pension.
In common with the union workhouse
s of the 19th century, the families of the men were not allowed to reside with the men. If a resident wished to leave the hospital, they were free to do so. If they wanted to re-enter, they would have to wait until a year had passed.
The residents were bound by militarised rules and regulations. Like their contemporaries at Chelsea, they wore a uniform of tricorne hats, albeit with blue coats. Pensioners who broke the rules would have to wear a yellow coat, known as a "canary", and would have to perform menial tasks while wearing this garment. Greenwich pensioners adopted a standardised uniform long before the Royal Navy.
Greenwich pensioners were in residence from 1705 to 1869, and acquired the nickname "Greenwich geese" from the townspeople of Greenwich
. The lifestyle of Greenwich Pensioners is brought to life as part of the "Discover Greenwich" tourist attraction in the Pepys Building.
Royal Navy
The Royal Navy is the naval warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Founded in the 16th century, it is the oldest service branch and is known as the Senior Service...
equivalent of a Chelsea pensioner
Chelsea pensioner
A Chelsea pensioner is an in-pensioner at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, a retirement home and nursing home for former members of the British Army located in Chelsea, London...
.
Although the initial concept of a Greenwich pensioner was that of someone living in the Royal Hospital Greenwich, the institution became responsible for the payment of pension
Pension
In general, a pension is an arrangement to provide people with an income when they are no longer earning a regular income from employment. Pensions should not be confused with severance pay; the former is paid in regular installments, while the latter is paid in one lump sum.The terms retirement...
s in 1804 (taking over the responsibility from the Chatham Chest
Chatham Chest
The Chatham Chest was a fund set up around 1590 to pay pensions to disabled seamen. It was financed by members' contributions which were deducted from their pay, and has therefore been described as the world's first occupational pension scheme. The assets of the scheme were held in an actual chest...
).
Consequentially, an ex-sailor (or ex-Royal Marine) living in Royal Hospital Greenwich would be known as an "in-Pensioner." Those persons who were in receipt of a pension, but lived elsewhere, were known as "out-pensioners".
It was permissible for out-pensioners to apply for entry to Greenwich, thereby relinquishing their out-pension.
In common with the union workhouse
Workhouse
In England and Wales a workhouse, colloquially known as a spike, was a place where those unable to support themselves were offered accommodation and employment...
s of the 19th century, the families of the men were not allowed to reside with the men. If a resident wished to leave the hospital, they were free to do so. If they wanted to re-enter, they would have to wait until a year had passed.
The residents were bound by militarised rules and regulations. Like their contemporaries at Chelsea, they wore a uniform of tricorne hats, albeit with blue coats. Pensioners who broke the rules would have to wear a yellow coat, known as a "canary", and would have to perform menial tasks while wearing this garment. Greenwich pensioners adopted a standardised uniform long before the Royal Navy.
Greenwich pensioners were in residence from 1705 to 1869, and acquired the nickname "Greenwich geese" from the townspeople of Greenwich
Greenwich
Greenwich is a district of south London, England, located in the London Borough of Greenwich.Greenwich is best known for its maritime history and for giving its name to the Greenwich Meridian and Greenwich Mean Time...
. The lifestyle of Greenwich Pensioners is brought to life as part of the "Discover Greenwich" tourist attraction in the Pepys Building.