Chelsea At War
Chelsea Physic Garden, London.
The event will take place at Foyle 1 at the National Army Museum.
Join us for a fascinating panel talk exploring Chelsea and its surrounding areas during - and in the aftermath of - the Second World War. Our speakers will uncover what civilian life was like during the conflict, how the Blitz reshaped the neighbourhood, and the remarkable stories of those who helped protect and rebuild the area. We will also explore the famous Chelsea-Dynamo Moscow football match at Stamford Bridge, a memorable post-war moment that marked both celebration and renewal.
Our panellists will cover:
- Dr Emily Mayhew will discuss the impact of the Blitz on Chelsea, daily life during the bombardments, and how the area changed as a result of wartime damage.
- Michael Stephen, Vice-Chair of the Chelsea Society ,will explore the role of the Chelsea Society during the war, including the efforts to save Chelsea Old Church after it was bombed, and share compelling stories from the Society's wartime Minutes.
- Rick Glanvill, official historian of Chelsea Football Club will examine the famous Chelsea-Dynamo Moscow match in the aftermath of the war, which drew record-breaking crowds to Stamford Bridge and became a symbolic moment of celebration following Allied victory.
The discussion will be chaired by Katie Wignall.
About the speakers:
- Dr Mayhew is a military medical historian specialising in the study of severe casualties, their infliction, treatment, and long-term outcomes in 20th- and 21st-century warfare. She is Historian in Residence in the Department of Bioengineering, working primarily with researchers and staff at the Centre for Injury Studies.
- Michael Stephen is Vice-Chairman of the Chelsea Society and Editor of its Annual Report and Bulletins.
- Rick Glanvill is a multiple award-winning writer, author, and researcher based in London. His work covers social history, genealogy, music, and football. He has worked across Chelsea FC's publications and media since 1993 and is the club's official historian.
- Katie Wignall is a London Blue Badge Tourist Guide and founder of Look Up London, a multi award-winning London history blog and walking tour company.
Chelsea Physic Garden
Since 1673 Chelsea Physic Garden has occupied four acres of land on the edge of the Thames. First established by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries in order to grow medicinal plants, this extraordinary garden in London has had wide reaching impact around the world.
The Chelsea Physic Garden is London's oldest botanic garden and contains a unique living collection of around 5,000 different edible, useful and medicinal plants that have changed the world.
The Garden opens at 11am (10am for Friends Card Holders).
When you arrive:
- Please have your ticket ready - printed or on your device - before you arrive.
- If you are a Friend, along with your time slot booking, please bring your Friends' card, or email confirmation of Friend category.
- Entrance will be via 66 Royal Hospital Road.
- If you require step free access to enter the Garden please see our Accessibility page.
For more information please visit opening times.
Your admission tickets will be emailed to you. You can arrive up to 30 minutes after your allocated arrival time.
We also offer Flexi tickets to the Garden (valid for one visit up to 3 months from purchase). To purchase please click here
Please note: If you are disabled, you can bring a carer/companion to the Garden free of charge. Please purchase one general admission ticket and present a blue badge or any other supporting document at the front desk to receive a free carer ticket on arrival.
More information about Chelsea At War tickets
Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult and must remain under close supervision as there is deep water and numerous poisonous plants.
Registered support dogs are welcome in the Garden, no other pets are allowed.
Unfortunately we cannot look after your luggage and we don't have any cloakroom facilities at the Garden.
There are a couple of council bike racks on Royal Hospital Road, unfortunately we do not have racks in the Garden due to lack of space and we can't look after your bicycle for you.
Concessionary rates are available for groups of 10+. Please visit our Groups page.
Tickets are only valid for the dates and times shown.
For any queries regarding your advance booking, contact us by visiting the Customer Service area
