Chelsea (recorded in the Domesday Book as Chelcede) is a district of London, on the Thames opposite Battersea, England. It was originally a landing point for chalk transported along the River Thames before being unloaded and transported to other places. Chelsea has long been distinguished for containing a royal military hospital, originally commenced by James I as a theological college, but converted by Charles I for the reception of sick, maimed and superannuated soldiers. The building was finished in 1692 by Sir Christopher Wren.