University of Greenwich Opens Doors of Wren Masterpiece
The University of Greenwich is opening the doors to the three main buildings at its Greenwich campus in Sir Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College as part of the capital-wide architecture festival, London Open House on Sunday September 20.
Guided tours of the Grade I listed buildings, the interiors of which are normally closed to public, will be available of Queen Anne Court, King William Court and Queen Mary Court from 11am – 4-30pm.
The Wren–designed King William Court was completed under the direction of Hawksmoor and Vanburgh and dates from 1698-1712. The building which contains original wood panelling was refurbished by the University of Greenwich in 2001. It now houses the university’s School of Humanities & Social Sciences.
Queen Anne Court is a Wren and Hawksmoor building which was completed in 1749 when Thomas Ripley built the pavilions facing the River Thames. Highlights include the Council Room, Grand Staircase spanning four floors and restored Portland stonework. The wards where mariners once lived have been restored to their original proportions; the university has retained the nautical names of the rooms, many of which can still be seen painted over doorways. It was refurbished by the University of Greenwich in 1999 and houses the Business School.
Queen Mary Court designed by Ripley and Hawksmoor includes a stunning stone cantilever stairway, attractive barrel-vaulted stone ceilings and original timber panelling. Refurbished by the university in 2000, it is now home to the School of Computing & Mathematical Sciences.
Alison Lawrence, University of Greenwich Tour Guide Organiser, says: “We are privileged to occupy such splendid buildings and it’s wonderful to be able to open them up for other people to enjoy.”
The whole of Sir Christopher Wren’s Old Royal Naval College will be open to the public that weekend. Greenwich Foundation will be opening the Chapel, the Painted Hall and the grounds. Trinity College of Music will be opening King Charles Court.
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