a town of Middlesex, on the Thames, in the hundred of Ossulston; which, by the rapid extension of London towards the west, has now become one of the suburbs of the metropolis. In the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries it was much frequented by pleasure parties from the city, and was a favourite retreat of the nobility and gentry, many of whom had residences in the village and its environs. It has now altogether lost its rural character, and since the beginning of the present century has been rapidly extending in all directions. The most interesting feature of the town is the Royal Hospital for invalid soldiers; the plans and design of which were furnished by Sir Christopher Wren, and the foundation-stone laid by Charles II., with great ceremony in 1682. The building—which is of brick, with stone quoins, pillars, and cornices—was completed in 1690, at an expense of about £1,150,000. It consists of three quadrangles, one of which is open on the side looking towards the river. The hospital affords accommodation to upwards of 500 invalid soldiers, who in addition to their food and clothing receive pensions varying according to the rank and service of the recipients from 8d. to 2s. 6d. a-day. The outdoor pensioners are about 70,000 in number, and receive pensions varying from 4d. to 2s. 6d. a-day. The establishment is managed by a governor, lieutenant-governor, and subordinate officers. Besides the hospital, Chelsea possesses a Royal Military Asylum (founded by the Duke of York in 1801, and completed in 1805) for the education of the children of soldiers and non-commissioned officers. In this establishment nearly 1000 children receive an excellent education on Bell's plan. Immediately adjoining the hospital are the botanical gardens of the London Apothecaries' Company, granted by Sir Hans Sloane, and occupying four acres of ground. A statue of the donor, by Rysbrach, is to be seen in the centre of the gardens. There is a considerable number of churches in Chelsea, the most noteworthy of which are the old parish church, containing some interesting monuments; Christ's church, St Jude's, Upper Chelsea church, and St Saviour's. Besides these, there are many Methodist, Independent, Presbyterian, and Catholic chapels. There are four National, two British and Foreign, and many Sunday and infant schools. St Mark's Training College for schoolmasters is attended by about 75 students. There is a similar institution for schoolmistresses, attended by a still larger number of pupils. Pop. of district (1851) 56,538.