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For all enquiries please email the Chaplaincy team via Army-RMAS-Chaplaincy@mod.gov.uk
Chapels of The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
There has always been a Chapel and serving Chaplains at The Royal Military Academy since its inception as The Royal Military College in 1812, and since 1947 as The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Today, The Royal Memorial Chapel sits in Chapel Square, with The Roman Catholic Chapel of Christ The King in the opposite corner of the square. In recognition of the diversity of the Officer Cadet population, there is also a Multi-Faith prayer Room.
Regular Sunday services are held in both Chapels throughout term time by the team of resident Chaplains. Major services in term are Colours to Chapel on the first Sunday of term, Old College Sunday mid term and Commissioning services before Sovereign’s Parade. The whole Academy comes together for the annual Service of Remembrance in November.
The History & Development of the Sandhurst Chapels
The first Chapel at Sandhurst in 1813 was inside the Grand Entrance of Old College, in what has now become the Indian Army Memorial Room. The only surviving picture shows the font in place in front of the Sanctuary, As the only surviving artefact from that Chapel it is still in use today in the Royal Memorial Chapel.
Over time, the Chapel proved to be inadequate to accommodate the growing College population. A new Chapel was commissioned, with a new design proposed by Lt. Henry Hardy Cole R.E. This was eventually built in 1879 on the current Chapel site, and overseen by the architect Lt Col Richard Williams R.E..
Further expansion was planned, and a proposal by Captain A.C. Martin was adopted to accommodate the large number of memorials following the 1914-18 war. This proposal turned the Chapel by ninety degrees into its current form.
The build to the East end completed in 1921, and to the West end in 1937. The Chapel was dedicated on May 2nd 1937 by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Cosmo Gordon Lang, in the presence of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.
Chaplains of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Academy Chaplain:
Rev’d Dr Matthew Coles CF
Assistant Chaplains:
Rev’d Robbie Robinson CF
Rev’d Matthew Dietz CF
Chapel Services
The RMAS Community are very welcome to visit the Royal Memorial Chapel or the Roman Catholic Chapel of Christ the King. You can sit and reflect in the quiet, sacred space; light a votive candle and hold a loved one in prayer, or use a guide booklet to discover the windows, memorials and historic pieces around the remarkable buildings. Services are 1030 on Sundays in term time.
If you have a qualifying connection, you can request a service of baptism, wedding, funeral or memorial in term time. Eligibility criteria for occasional offices, including the cemetery, is as follows:
Importantly, RMC and CTK are registered for Christian services only and are not licensed for humanist or civil ceremonies. Furthermore, please note a chapel booking does not automatically mean you will be able to hold a reception at RMAS. Finally, as the qualified person, you will be the activity owner and responsible for guest access, event insurance and liaison with caterers.
For all booking enquiries, please email the Chaplaincy team via Army-RMAS-Chaplaincy@mod.gov.uk
Music in the Royal Memorial Chapel
The Chapel has a robed choir which sings at all Sunday services, normally one service each Sunday at 10:30 in term time. The choir has an extensive repertoire, and performs to a high standard. Rehearsals are from 19:30 to 21:00 every Thursday evening in term time.
The Choir currently has vacancies in the Tenor and Bass sections. If you are interested talk to a choir member after any service, or contact the Choir Administrator, Jackie Keay, by email on ad.rmc.chapel.choir@gmail.com
Organist & Director of Music
Simon Dinsdale BA, MA, FLCM, LTCL, LLCM, SFFLM, FTCSM, FMCM, FGMS, HonFNCM, FISM
Email: music.rmc.rmas@gmail.com
Choral Director Richard Stevens, ARCM
Enjoy a special tour around the Royal Memorial Chapel, which stands as a memorial to all those who have passed through the Academy and lost their lives in conflict.
If you enjoyed learning about the Royal Memorial Chapel and its rich history, please consider supporting its preservation by donating to our Heritage Fund. Your contribution helps us maintain this iconic landmark for future generations, ensuring its stories, architecture, and legacy continue to inspire all who visit.
Every donation, big or small, makes a difference. Thank you.
