The Chelsea Pensioners here in the Royal Hospital since 1692 were warmed by coal fires. Thea Holme in her book 'Chelsea' reports that:
In 1801, violent quarrels arose between two old soldiers, one wanting to use up the fuel they shared during the cold season, the other insisting on economy. Efforts were made to stop the quarrels, but without avail. Finally the improvident one burst open the door of his neighbour's room brandishing a pistol and insisting that they should fight a duel. The other, knocking the pistol out of his hand, refused, whereupon the aggressor without further ado shot him through the heart. He was tried for murder, and though his conduct 'previous to this unhappy affair' had been exemplary, was hanged.'

O/S Co-ords:2800.7807
Source(s):

Chelsea