A new heritage clothing collection, launched and on sale today, is born out of the long-lasting link between Chelsea Football Club and our famous neighbours, the Chelsea Pensioners whose legacy is being honoured by a donation from this range.
The range is tradition made modern with the stylish leisurewear, which is available in store and online, characterised by a historic Percy the Pensioner figure and flashes of the scarlet colour which has always ensured those wearing the iconic uniform stand out from the crowd.
- Click to shop the Heritage Collection
The Chelsea Pensioners, the residents of the Royal Hospital Chelsea, are veterans of the British Army who have chosen to live their retirement years as part of a historic community - a way of life built on companionship, dignity and purpose. The Royal Hospital will benefit from a donation of a percentage of all the sales of the new Heritage Collection.
Such is the renown of the Chelsea Pensioners it was only natural that when a nickname was wanted over a century ago for the fledgling Chelsea Football Club, rather than other features linked to our locality and our name such as the Buns, the Artists or (due to a tradition for potteries in the area) the Chinamen, it was the name the Pensioners that was settled upon.
Soon Percy the Pensioner was born. Though never an official club badge and never on our shirts, he was soon appearing as a logo and in cartoon form on our matchday programmes until famously banished by a new manager, Ted Drake, who sought a different Stamford Bridge vibe.
But now Percy is back – proudly emblazoned on the tops, tracksuit, cap and bag unveiled today.
The Pensioners plus CFC – together for a clean, classy look
Streetwear meets heritage for each new item, including a white cricket-style jumper and a black polo shirt with the famous scarlet colour featuring on the collar and trim.
That trimming plus the Percy logo are recurring themes on the hoodie and two styles of track jacket, and on a cable-knit short-sleeved shirt.
Chelsea Pensioners have been an easy-to-spot presence at Stamford Bridge – our guests at home games – for as long as anyone can remember – and they have been front and centre at major club occasions both formal and celebratory.
A timeless icon - while some things change, others endure
Both the Pensioners and Chelsea FC have kept the same homes from the very start, neighbours in a constantly changing London, and the Pensioners uniform and ritual show that when something is done the right way for long enough, it becomes iconic.
Paul, one of the current Pensioners, recognises the connection with his local football team: ‘At Stamford Bridge, we’ve built real relationships with the people who sit around us. They’re not just supporters - they’re friends. As Chelsea Pensioners, that welcome means everything.
‘Laying wreaths at Stamford Bridge for Remembrance was unforgettable. We’ve shared moments with people from Chelsea FC and the Royal Hospital Chelsea that stay with you. People sometimes think we’re something special - but we’re not. The scarlet coat is special though. And the respect Chelsea Football Club shows us is special too. I’m a football fan wherever I am, but Chelsea Football Club has become something truly special to me. The Bridge feels like home.’
A special feature of the Heritage Collection is the barrel bag (available in store), with Percy prominent again. The t-shirt is in light and dark versions, as are the caps, while those two shades combine for the rugby-style top. A pair of shorts and track joggers are also available.
The CFC lettering that features regularly in the range is in the same font as the RH that appears on the Pensioners’ distinctive black hats.
With a percentage of the money generated by supporters purchasing items from the Heritage Collection being donated by Chelsea FC, David Richmond CBE, CEO at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, said: ‘Our values of care, community and comradeship have endured for more than three centuries, and they remain central to who we are today. Our Chelsea Pensioners are proud to belong to a community defined by service and shared purpose - values we recognise strongly within the football community as well.
‘My thanks to Chelsea Football Club for honouring the Chelsea Pensioners through this project, and for welcoming us into their community as part of a shared legacy that will inspire generations to come. This support will help us on our mission to ensure that those who served are always supported.’
The Heritage Collection can be shopped now by clicking here for our online store. It is also in the Megastore at Stamford Bridge.