Vice-Admiral The Viscount Nelson
29 September 1758 – October 21, 1805 (aged 47)
Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson, by Lemuel Francis Abbott
Place of birth	Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, England
Place of death	Cape Trafalgar, Spain
Allegiance	United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
Service/branch	Royal Navy
Years of service	1771–1805
Rank	Vice Admiral
Battles/wars	Battle of Cape St Vincent Battle of the Nile Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife Battle of Copenhagen Battle of Trafalgar
Awards	Several (see below)

Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British admiral famous for his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, most notably in the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive British victory in the war, during which he lost his life.^[1] Nelson went against the conventional tactics of the time by cutting through the enemy's lines. Nelson was noted for his ability to inspire and bring out the best in his men, to the point that it gained a name: "The Nelson Touch". His actions during these wars and his heroic image as a one-armed, one-eyed patriot, ensured that before and after his death he was revered. is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1758 (MDCCLVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Thomas Jefferson. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Lemuel Francis Abbot was an English portrait painter, famous for his portrait of Horatio Nelson (currently hanging in the Terracotta Room of number 10 Downing Street) and for those of other naval officers and literary figures of the 18th century. ... Burnham Thorpe is a small village on the River Burn and near the coast of Norfolk in England. ... Norfolk (pronounced ) is a low-lying county in East Anglia in the east of southern England. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... Combatants United Kingdom First French Empire Kingdom of Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson † Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve Strength 27 ships of the line and 6 others. ... This article is about the historical state called the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (1801–1927). ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... Vice Admiral is a naval rank of three star level, equivalent to Lieutenant General in seniority. ... There are three Battles of Cape St Vincent The Battle of Cape St Vincent, 14 February 1797 by Robert Cleveley, painted 1798, shows the end of the battle with the captured Spanish ship Salvador del Mundo in the right foreground. ... Combatants Britain France Commanders Horatio Nelson François-Paul Brueys DAigalliers† Strength 14 ships of the line: * 13 x 74-gun, * 1 x 50-gun, 1 sloop 13 ships of the line: * 1 x 120-gun, * 3 x 80-gun, * 9 x 74gun, 4 frigates, some smaller Casualties 218... Combatants Britain Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson Antonio Gutiérrez Strength 4,000 regulars and sailors 400 guns 1,700 regulars, militia, and sailors 91 guns Casualties 250 dead 128 wounded 30 dead 40 wounded The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was a British attack on the Spanish port city... Combatants Great Britain Denmark-Norway Commanders Admiral Sir Hyde Parker Lord Nelson Olfert Fischer, Steen Bille Strength Nelson: 12 ships of the line, 5 frigates, 7 bombs, 6 others Parker (reserve): 8 ships of the line Fischer: 7 ships of the line, 10 others Bille: 17 ships, 1 land battery... Combatants United Kingdom First French Empire Kingdom of Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson † Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve Strength 27 ships of the line and 6 others. ... Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British admiral famous for his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, most notably in the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive British victory in the war, during which he lost his life. ... Vice Admiral is a naval rank of three star level, equivalent to Lieutenant General in seniority. ... Military Badge of the Order of the Bath The Most Honourable Order of the Bath is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on 18 May 1725. ... is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1758 (MDCCLVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... is the 294th day of the year (295th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Thomas Jefferson. ... For other uses, see Admiral (disambiguation). ... Combatants Austria[a] Portugal Prussia[a] Russia[b] Sicily[c] Sardinia  Spain[d]  Sweden[e] United Kingdom French Empire Holland[f] Italy Etruria[g] Naples[h] Duchy of Warsaw[i] Confederation of the Rhine[j] Bavaria Saxony Westphalia Württemberg Denmark-Norway[k] Commanders Archduke Charles Prince Schwarzenberg Karl Mack... Combatants United Kingdom First French Empire Kingdom of Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson † Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve Strength 27 ships of the line and 6 others. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ...

In 1798, even though he had been married since 1787, Nelson famously became embroiled in an affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton, the wife of William Hamilton, the British Ambassador to Naples which lasted until his death. Emma became Nelson's mistress, returning to the United Kingdom to live openly with him, and eventually they had a daughter, Horatia. It was the public knowledge of this affair that induced the Royal Navy to send Nelson back out to sea after he had been recalled. By his death in 1805 Nelson had become a national hero, and he was given a State funeral. His memory lives on in numerous monuments, the most notable of which is London's Nelson's Column, which stands in the centre of Trafalgar Square. Emma Hamilton, in one of dozens of portraits by George Romney, at the height of her beauty in the 1780s Emma, Lady Hamilton (born 1761); baptized April 26, 1765 – January 16, 1815) is best remembered as the mistress of Lord Nelson. ... William Hamilton Sir William Douglas Hamilton (December 13, 1730–April 6, 1803) was a Scottish diplomat, antiquarian, archaeologist and volcanologist. ... Location of the city of Naples (red dot) within Italy. ... Miniature of Horatia Nelson, c. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... The examples and perspective in this article or section may not represent a worldwide view. ... This article is about the capital of England and the United Kingdom. ... Lord Nelson at the top of the column that bears his name Nelsons Column is a monument in Trafalgar Square, London, England. ... Trafalgar Square viewed from the northeast corner. ...

Early life

Horatio Nelson was born on 29 September 1758 in a rectory in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, England, the sixth of eleven children of the Reverend Edmund Nelson and Catherine Nelson.^[2] His mother, who died when he was nine, was a grandniece of Sir Robert Walpole, 1st Earl of Oxford, the de facto first prime minister of the British Parliament.^[3] She lived in the village of Barsham, Suffolk and married the Reverend Edmund Nelson at Beccles church, Suffolk in 1749. is the 272nd day of the year (273rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1758 (MDCCLVIII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Thursday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ... Burnham Thorpe is a small village on the River Burn and near the coast of Norfolk in England. ... Norfolk (pronounced ) is a low-lying county in East Anglia in the east of southern England. ... For other uses, see England (disambiguation). ... Catherine Suckling (1725-67) On moving to Beccles on her fathers death Catherine Suckling met and married the former curate of Beccles, the Reverend Edmund Nelson. ... For other persons named Robert Walpole, see Robert Walpole (disambiguation). ... A prime minister is the most senior minister of cabinet in the executive branch of government in a parliamentary system. ... Barsham Holy Trinity Barsham (grid reference TM395899) is a village and civil parish in the Waveney district of Suffolk, England, with a population of 218 (2001 census). ... Map sources for Beccles at grid reference TM4290 Beccles is a market town in Suffolk within The Broads National Park. ... Suffolk (pronounced ) is a large historic and modern non-metropolitan county in East Anglia, England. ...

Nelson was briefly educated at Paston Grammar School, North Walsham, where he made several lifelong friends, including Levett Hanson, who proved a lifelong correspondent.^[4] Nelson also attended Norwich School, and by the time he was twelve he had enrolled in the Royal Navy.^[5] His naval career began on 1 January 1771 when he reported to the third-rate Raisonnable as an Ordinary Seaman and coxswain. Nelson’s maternal uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling, commanded the vessel. Shortly after reporting aboard, Nelson was appointed a midshipman and began officer training. Nelson found that he suffered from seasickness, a chronic complaint that dogged him for the rest of his life.^[6] The introduction to this article provides insufficient context for those unfamiliar with the subject matter. ... , Market Cross, North Walsham (photo by S.Mason) North Walsham is a market town and civil parish in the English county of Norfolk. ... Norwich School at Norwich, Norfolk, England, previously King Edward VI’s Grammar School, is one of the oldest schools in the world, with a traceable history as far back as 1096. ... This article is about the navy of the United Kingdom. ... is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1771 was a common year starting on Tuesday (see link for calendar). ... This is one of six ratings (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th) in the rating system of the Royal Navy. ... HMS Raisonnable was a 64-gun 3rd rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy, named for the ship of the same name captured from the French in 1758. ... In the Royal Navy in the middle of the 18th century, the term Ordinary Seaman was used to refer to a seaman with between one and two years experience at sea. ... The coxswain (pronounced cox-É™n; often called the cox) is the person in charge of a boat, particularly its navigation and steering. ... Captain Maurice Suckling (1726-88) Maurice Suckling joined the Royal Navy, was in command of Dreadnought 60, in action off Cape François on October 21, 1757. ... A midshipman is a subordinate officer, or alternatively a commissioned officer of the lowest rank, in the navies of several English-speaking countries. ... Seasickness is hazardous for scuba divers Seasickness is the feeling of nausea and, in extreme cases, vertigo experienced after spending time on a craft on water. ...

Captain Horatio Nelson, painted by John Francis Rigaud in 1781, with Fort San Juan - the scene of his most notable achievement to date - in the background. The painting itself was begun prior to the battle when Nelson was a lieutenant and nearly finished; when Nelson returned, the artist added the new captain's gold-braided sleeves. ^[7]

Suckling became Comptroller of the Navy in 1775 and used his position to help Nelson's rapid advance.^[3] By 1777 Nelson had risen to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned to the West Indies. During his service as lieutenant he saw action in the American War of Independence.^[8] He was made post-captain in June 1779, at the age of 20. His first command at this rank was the 28-gun frigate HMS Hinchinbroke, newly captured from the French.^[9] Image File history File links Young_Nelson. ... Image File history File links Young_Nelson. ... Look up comptroller in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Lieutenant is a military, naval, paramilitary, fire service or police officer rank. ... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... This article is about military actions only. ... For the Patrick OBrian novel, see Post Captain (novel). ... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ...

In 1780 he was involved in an action against the Spanish fortress of San Juan in Nicaragua.^[1] Though the expedition was ultimately a major debacle, none of the blame was attributed to Nelson, who was praised for his efforts. He fell seriously ill, probably contracting malaria, and returned to Britain for more than a year to recover.^[10] It has been suggested that this article or section be merged into Naval operations in the American Revolutionary War. ... Malaria is a vector-borne infectious disease caused by protozoan parasites. ...

Command

In 1783, Nelson led a 100-man force in a successful attempt to dislodge a French force from the Turks Islands. In 1784 he contemplated standing for Parliament at the General Election that year, but did not do so; he was instead given command of the frigate Boreas, and assigned to enforce the Navigation Act in the vicinity of Antigua. This was during the dénouement of the American War of Independence, and enforcement of the Act was problematic: Now-foreign American vessels were no longer allowed to trade with British colonies in the Caribbean Sea, an unpopular rule with both the colonies and the Americans. After seizing four American vessels off Nevis, Nelson was sued by the captains of the ships for illegal seizure. As the merchants of Nevis supported them, Nelson was in peril of imprisonment and had to remain sequestered on Boreas for eight months. It took that long for the courts to deny the captains their claims, but in the interim Nelson met Frances "Fanny" Nisbet, a widow native to Nevis. Nelson and Fanny were married on 11 March 1787 at the end of his tour of duty in the Caribbean. The Turks and Caicos Islands is an overseas territory of the United Kingdom consisting of two groups of tropical islands in the Caribbean, southeast of the Bahamas, at 21°45N, 71°35W. The thirty islands total 166 sq. ... (Redirected from 1651 Navigation Act) The English Navigation Acts were a series of laws which, beginning in 1651, restricted foreign shipping. ... Map of Central America and the Caribbean The Caribbean Sea (pronounced or ) is a tropical sea in the Western Hemisphere, part of the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Gulf of Mexico. ... For other uses, see Nevis (disambiguation). ... is the 70th day of the year (71st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1787 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar). ...

Lady Nelson, Nelson's wife, who was formerly Frances "Fanny" Nisbet of the island of Nevis, West Indies.

Nelson lacked a command for a few years after 1789. He lived on half pay during this time (a reasonably common occurrence in the peacetime Royal Navy). Then, in 1793, as the French Revolutionary government annexed the Austrian Netherlands (modern Belgium), which were traditionally preserved as a buffer state, Britain went to war. Nelson was recalled to service and given command of the 64-gun Agamemnon in 1793. Image File history File links Lady_Nelson_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_16914. ... Image File history File links Lady_Nelson_-_Project_Gutenberg_eText_16914. ... For other uses, see Nevis (disambiguation). ... The Caribbean or the West Indies is a group of islands in the Caribbean Sea. ... The French Revolution (1789–1815) was a period of political and social upheaval in the political history of France and Europe as a whole, during which the French governmental structure, previously an absolute monarchy with feudal privileges for the aristocracy and Catholic clergy, underwent radical change to forms based on... HMS Agamemnon was a Royal Navy third-rate ship of the line with an armament of 64 guns. ...

He was first assigned to the Mediterranean, based out of the Kingdom of Naples. In 1794 he was wounded in the face by stones and debris thrown up by a close cannon shot during a joint operation at Calvi, Corsica. As a result, Nelson lost the sight in his right eye. Despite popular legend, there is no evidence that Nelson ever wore an eye patch, though he was known to wear an eyeshade to protect his remaining eye. Capital Naples Government Monarchy King  - 1285-1309 Charles II  - 1815-1816 Ferdinand I History  - Established 1285  - Union with Sicily 1816 The Kingdom of Naples was an informal name of the polity officially known as the Kingdom of Sicily which existed on the mainland of southern Italy after of the secession... Calvi from Citadel Calvi is a small town and commune of the Haute-Corse (2B) département, in France. ... For other uses, see Corsica (disambiguation). ...

In 1796 the position of commander-in-chief of the fleet in the Mediterranean passed to Sir John Jervis, who appointed Nelson to be commodore and to exercise independent command over the ships blockading the French coast. Agamemnon, often described as Nelson's favourite ship, was by now worn out and was sent back to the UK for repairs. Nelson was appointed to the 74-gun HMS Captain. In December 1796, on leaving Elba for Gibraltar, Nelson transferred his flag to the frigate Minerve (of French construction, commanded by Captain Cockburn). A Spanish frigate, Santa Sabina, was captured during the passage and Lieutenant Hardy was put in charge of the captured vessel. The following morning, two Spanish ships of the line and one frigate appeared. Nelson at first had no choice but to fight. But Hardy, in order to save his commodore, sacrificed his own ship by drawing the Spanish fire, leaving Nelson free to flee. Santa Sabina was recovered by the Spanish and Hardy was captured.^[11] The Spanish captain who was on board Minerve was later exchanged for Hardy in Gibraltar. In 1797 Nelson and his wife moved to Ipswich, Suffolk. John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (9 January 1735-14 March 1823) was an admiral in the British Royal Navy. ... Commodore Insignia Rank Pennant Commodore is a rank of the Royal Navy above Captain and below Rear-Admiral. ... Categories: Possible copyright violations ... Elba (bottom centre) from space, February 1994. ... For the bird, see Frigatebird. ... This article is about the naval officer. ... For other uses, see Ipswich (disambiguation). ... Suffolk (pronounced ) is a large historic and modern non-metropolitan county in East Anglia, England. ...

Admiralty

Battle of Cape St Vincent

Main article: Battle of Cape St. Vincent (1797)

Nelson then took Captain and joined Sir John Jervis's fleet off Cape St Vincent, and reported the presence of a Spanish fleet that had sailed from Cartagena.^[12] Jervis prepared to give battle and the two fleets met on 14 February. Here Nelson found himself towards the rear of the British line, and realising that it would be a long time before he could get into action, he carried out his first famous act of disobeying orders.^[12] Instead of continuing to follow the line, he wore ship, breaking from the line and heading to engage the Spanish van, consisting of the 112-gun San Josef, the 80-gun San Nicolas and the 130-gun Santísima Trinidad. She engaged all three, assisted by HMS Culloden which had come to Nelson's aid. After an hour of exchanging broadsides had left both Captain and Culloden heavily damaged, Nelson found himself alongside the San Nicolas. He led a boarding party across, crying 'Westminster Abbey! or, glorious victory!' and forced her surrender.^[13] The San Josef attempted to come to the San Nicolas’s aid but became entangled with her. Nelson then took his party from the decks of the San Nicolas onto the San Josef and captured her as well.^[12] As night fell the Spanish broke off and sailed for Cadiz. Four ships had surrendered to the British, two of the them were Nelson's captures. Combatants Great Britain Spain Commanders John Jervis José de Córdoba Strength 15 ships of the line 24 ships of the line Casualties 73 dead 327 wounded Four ships captured 250 dead 550 wounded The naval Battle of Cape St Vincent took place on 14 February 1797, near Cape St. ... John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (9 January 1735-14 March 1823) was an admiral in the British Royal Navy. ... The Cabo de São Vicente (Cape St. ... Cartagena is the name of two cities: Cartagena, Spain Cartagena, Colombia This is a disambiguation page — a navigational aid which lists other pages that might otherwise share the same title. ... is the 45th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... A jibe or gybe is when a sailing boat (yacht) turns its stern through the wind, such that the direction of the wind changes from one side of the boat to the other. ... For other ships with the same name, see HMS Culloden. ... This article is about the Spanish city. ...

Nelson was victorious, but had disobeyed orders. Jervis liked Nelson and so did not officially reprimand him.^[14] However in his official report of the battle he did not mention Nelson. He did though write a private letter to George Spencer in which he said that Nelson 'contributed very much to the fortune of the day'.^[14] Nelson also wrote several letters about his victory, reporting that his action was being referred to amongst the fleet as 'Nelson's Patent Bridge for boarding first rates'.^[13] Nelson's account was later challenged by Rear-Admiral William Parker, who had been aboard HMS Prince George. He claimed that Nelson had been supported by several more ships than he had acknowledged in his attack on the Spanish van, and that by the time he had boarded the San Josef, she had already struck her colours.^[15] Nelson's account of his role prevailed however. The victory was well received in Britain, Jervis was made Earl St Vincent and Nelson was made a Knight of the Bath.^[16] On 20 April he was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue. This was not a reward for his actions in the battle, but rather a standard promotion according to his seniority.^[17] The Right Honourable Sir George John Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer KG PC FRS FSA (1 September 1758–10 November 1834) was a Whig politician of the late 18th and early 19th century. ... For other ships of the same name, see HMS Prince George. ... The Earl of St Vincent Viscount St Vincent, of Meaford in the County of Stafford, is a title in the Peerage of the United Kingdom. ... Badge of a Companion of the Order of the Bath (Military Division) Ribbon of the Order of the Bath The Most Honourable Order of the Bath (formerly The Most Honourable Military Order of the Bath)[1] is a British order of chivalry founded by George I on May 18, 1725. ... is the 110th day of the year (111th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Admiral is a senior rank of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, outranked only by the rank Admiral of the Fleet. ...

Action off Cadiz

Nelson was given command of HMS Theseus and on 27 May 1797 was ordered to lie off Cadiz, monitoring the Spanish fleet and awaiting the arrival of Spanish treasure ships from the American colonies.^[18] He soon pressed an attack on the city, carrying out a bombardment and an amphibious assault on 3 July. Personally leading the action, his barge collided with that of the Spanish commander, and a hand to hand struggle ensued between the two crews. Twice Nelson was nearly cut down, both times his life was saved by a seaman named John Sykes who took the blows and was badly wounded. The British then captured the Spanish boat and towed it back to the Theseus.^[18] During this period he prepared a scheme to capture Santa Cruz de Tenerife, aiming to secure a large amount of money from the treasure ship El Principe de Asturias that was reported to have recently arrived. HMS Theseus was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. ... is the 147th day of the year (148th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1797 (MDCCXCVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (see link for calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Wednesday of the 11-day-slower Julian calendar). ... is the 184th day of the year (185th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Santa Cruz de Tenerife (2005 population 223,148) is a city on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. ...

Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

Main article: Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797)

The battle plan called for a combination of naval bombardments and an amphibious landing. The initial attempt was called off after adverse currents hampered the assault and the element of surprise was lost.^[19] Nelson immediately ordered another assault but this was beaten back. He prepared for another attempt though, to take place during the night. He himself would lead one of the battalions. The operation ended in failure. The Spanish were better prepared than had been expected and had secured strong defensive positions.^[20] Several of the boats failed to land in the correct places in the confusion whilst those that did were swept by gunfire and grapeshot. Nelson's boat reached its intended landing point but as he stepped ashore he was hit in the right arm by a musketball, fracturing his humerus bone in multiple places.^[20] He was rowed back to the Theseus to be attended to by the surgeon. On arriving on his ship he refused to be helped aboard, declaring 'Leave me alone! I have got my legs left and one arm.'^[20] He was taken to the surgeon, instructing him to prepare his instruments and 'the sooner it was off the better'.^[20] Most of the right arm was amputated and within half an hour he had returned to issuing orders to his captains.^[21] Combatants Britain Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson Antonio Gutiérrez Strength 4,000 regulars and sailors 400 guns 1,700 regulars, militia, and sailors 91 guns Casualties 250 dead 128 wounded 30 dead 40 wounded The Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife was a British attack on the Spanish port city... The humerus is a long bone in the arm or fore-legs (animals) that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. ...

Meanwhile a force under Sir Thomas Troubridge had fought their way to main square but could go no further. Unable to return to the fleet because their boats had been sunk, Troubridge had been forced to enter negotiations with the Spanish commander and the British were subsequently allowed to withdraw.^[22] The expedition had failed to achieve any of its objectives and had left a quarter of the landing force dead or wounded.^[22] The fleet remained off Tenerife for a further three days, Nelson fully aware of the extent of his failure and the adverse affect his amputed arm could have on his career. By 16 August his squadron had rejoined Jervis's fleet off Cadiz. Despondantly he wrote to Jervis 'A left-handed Admiral will never again be considered as useful, therefore the sooner I get to a very humble cottage the better, and make room for a better man to serve the state...'^[23] He returned to England aboard HMS Seahorse, arriving at Spithead on 1 September. He was met with a hero's welcome though, the British public had lionised Nelson after Cape St. Vincent and his wound earned him sympathy.^[24] They refused to attribute the defeat at Tenerife to him, preferring instead to blame poor planning on the part of St. Vincent, the Secretary at War or even William Pitt.^[24] Sir Thomas Troubridge, from the painting by Sir William Beechey. ... is the 228th day of the year (229th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Categories: UK geography stubs ... is the 244th day of the year (245th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Secretary at War was a position with some responsibility over the administration of the British military. ... William Pitt the Younger (28 May 1759 – 23 January 1806) was a British politician of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. ...

Return to England

Nelson returned to Bath with Fanny, before moving to London in October to seek medical expertise concerning his amputated arm. Whilst in London news reached him that Admiral Duncan had defeated the Dutch fleet at the Battle of Camperdown.^[25] Nelson exclaimed that he would have given his other arm to have been present.^[25] He spent the last months of 1797 recuperating in London, during which he was awarded the freedom of the city and an annual pension of £1,000 a year. He used the money to buy Round Wood Farm near Ipswich, and intended to retire there with Fanny.^[26] Admiral Adam Duncan Adam Duncan, Viscount Duncan of Camperdown (1 July 1731 - 4 August 1804), born in Lundie, Angus, Scotland, and receiving his education in Dundee - defeated the Dutch fleet off Camperdown (north of Haarlem) on 11 October 1797. ... The Battle of Camperdown, 11 October 1797 by Thomas Whitcombe, painted 1798, showing the British flagship Venerable engaged with the Dutch flagship Vrijheid The naval Battle of Camperdown took place on 11 October 1797 during the French Revolutionary Wars, and was a victory for a British fleet under Admiral Adam...

Despite these plans, Nelson was never to live there.^[26] Surgeons had been unable to remove the central ligature in his amputated arm. The ligature had caused considerable inflammation and poisoning, but had come out of its own accord early in December. Nelson rapidly began to recover, and eager to return to sea, began agitating the Admiralty for a command. He was promised the 80-gun HMS Foudroyant but she was not yet ready for sea. He was instead appointed to the 74-gun HMS Vanguard, and Nelson appointed Edward Berry as his flag captain.^[27] French activities in the Mediterranean theatre were concerning the Admiralty. Napoleon was gathering forces for his invasion of Egypt, but his objectives were unknown to the Admiralty. Nelson and the Vanguard were to be dispatched to Cadiz to reinforce the fleet. Nelson hoisted his flag on 28 March 1798 and sailed to join the fleet assembled at Cadiz under Earl St. Vincent. St. Vincent sent him on to Gibraltar with a small force to reconnoitre French activities.^[28] For other ships with the same name, see HMS Foudroyant. ... The fifth HMS Vanguard, was a 74-gun third-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. ... In the Royal Navy a Captain of the fleet could be appointed to assist an admiral when the admiral had ten or more ships to command. ... Combatants Ottoman Empire Great Britain France The Battle of the Pyramids, Louis-François, Baron Lejeune, 1808. ... is the 87th day of the year (88th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1798 (MDCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ...

Hunting the French

Whilst Nelson was sailing to Gibraltar through a fierce storm, Napoleon had sailed with his invasion fleet, a force under the command of Vice-admiral François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers. When news of this reached St. Vincent, Nelson was reinforced with a number of 74s and ordered him to intercept the French.^[29] Nelson immediately began searching the Italian coast for Napoleon's fleet, but was hampered by a lack of frigates. Napoleon had arrived at Malta and after a show of force, secured the island's surrender.^[30] Nelson made for Malta but had again missed the French, who had already left for Egypt. After a conference with his captains, he decided that Egypt was Napoleon's most likely destination and headed for Alexandria. On his arrival on 28 June though he found no sign of the French. Dismayed, he withdrew and began searching to the east of the port. Whilst he was absent, Napoleon's fleet arrived on 1 July and landed their forces unopposed.^[31] Vice Admiral is a naval rank of three star level, equivalent to Lieutenant General in seniority. ... Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys DAigalliers, Comte de Brueys, (February 12, 1753 - August 1, 1798) was the French commander in the Battle of the Nile, in which the French Revolutionary Navy was defeated by Royal Navy forces under Admiral Horatio Nelson. ... This article is about the city in Egypt. ... is the 179th day of the year (180th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 182nd day of the year (183rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Brueys then withdrew his fleet to Abu Qir Bay, ready to support Napoleon if required.^[32] Nelson had crossed the Mediterranean in a fruitless attempt to locate the French and had returned to Naples to re-provision.^[33] He sailed again, intending to search the seas off Cyprus, but decided to pass close to Alexandria again for a final check. In doing so his force captured a French merchant, which provided the first news of the French, that they had passed south-east of Crete a month before, heading to Alexandria.^[34] Nelson hurried to Alexandria, but again found it empty of the French. Searching along the coast, he finally discovered the French fleet in Abu Qir Bay on 1 August 1798. The Abū Qīr Bay (sometimes transliterated Abukir Bay or Aboukir Bay) (Arabic: خليج أبو قير; transliterated: Khalīj Abū Qīr) is a spacious bay on the Mediterranean Sea in Egypt, lying between Abu Qir and the Rosetta mouth of the Nile. ... is the 213th day of the year (214th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1798 (MDCCXCVIII) was a common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar (or a common year starting on Friday of the 11-day slower Julian calendar). ...

The Battle of the Nile

Main article: Battle of the Nile

Nelson immediately prepared for battle, repeating a sentiment he had earlier expressed at the battle of Cape St. Vincent, declaring that "Before this time tomorrow, I shall have gained a peerage or Westminster Abbey."^[35] The French had anchored in a strong position, their combined fire power greater than Nelson's fleet. It was late by the time the British arrived and the French did not expect them to attack.^[36] Nelson instead ordered his ships into the attack. The French had anchored close to a line of shoals, believing that this would secure their port side from attack. Brueys had assumed the British would follow convention and attack the centre from the starboard side. Instead, Captain Thomas Foley aboard HMS Goliath discovered there was room between the shoals and the French ships for a British ship to pass, and took his ship down the gap. The unprepared French found themselves attacked on both sides, as the British fleet split, some following Foley, others passing down the starboard side.^[37] Combatants Britain France Commanders Horatio Nelson François-Paul Brueys DAigalliers† Strength 14 ships of the line: * 13 x 74-gun, * 1 x 50-gun, 1 sloop 13 ships of the line: * 1 x 120-gun, * 3 x 80-gun, * 9 x 74gun, 4 frigates, some smaller Casualties 218... Port is the nautical term (used on boats and ships) that refers to the left side of a ship, as perceived by a person facing towards the bow (the front of the vessel). ... A view of the Starboard side of the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Ross Starboard is the nautical term that refers to the right side of a vessel as perceived by a person on board the ship and facing the bow (front). ... For other ships with the same name, see HMS Goliath. ...

The Battle of the Nile, painted by Thomas Luny.

The rest of the fleet were soon in action, passing down the line and engaging the French one by one. Nelson aboard the Vanguard engaged the Spartiate, coming under fire fromthe Aquilon as he did so. He was with Berry on the quarter-deck at about eight o'clock when he was struck on the forehead by a piece of French shot. He fell to the deck, a flap of skin covering his good eye. Blinded and half stunned, he felt sure he would die. He cried out "I am killed. Remember me to my wife." He was taken below to be seen by the surgeon.^[38] After an examination the wound was pronounced non-threatening and was temporarily patched up. Meanwhile the French van, pounded by British fire from both sides had begun to surrender. The British ships continued to move down the line, bringing Brueys's 118-gun flagship Orient under constant fire. The Orient caught fire and later exploded. The remaining French ships attempted to escape and the battle was won. Nelson, who had come up on deck to continue directing the battle and had witnessed the end of the Orient was taken below again.^[37] Download high resolution version (1000x624, 140 KB)Battle of the Nile, August 1st 1798 at 10pm -- a painting by Luny Thomas. ... Download high resolution version (1000x624, 140 KB)Battle of the Nile, August 1st 1798 at 10pm -- a painting by Luny Thomas. ... Combatants Britain France Commanders Horatio Nelson François-Paul Brueys DAigalliers† Strength 14 ships of the line: * 13 x 74-gun, * 1 x 50-gun, 1 sloop 13 ships of the line: * 1 x 120-gun, * 3 x 80-gun, * 9 x 74gun, 4 frigates, some smaller Casualties 218... For other ships with the same name, see HMS Spartiate. ... Le Dauphin-Royal was a first-rate 118-gun ship of the line of the French Navy, of the Océan type, designed by Jacques-Noël Sané. During the French Revolution, she was renamed Le Sans-Culotte in September 1792, and eventually LOrient in May 1795. ...

The Battle of the Nile was a major blow to Napoleon's ambition's in the east. The fleet had been destroyed; Orient had been burnt, three 74s had been captured and burnt, four 74s and two 80s had been captured and only two ships of the line and two frigates had managed to escape. The forces Napoleon had brought to Egypt were stranded.^[37] Napoleon attempted to march north along the Mediterranean coast but his army was defeated at the Siege of Acre by Captain Sir Sidney Smith. Napoleon then left his army and sailed back to France, evading detection by British ships. Given its huge strategic importance, some historians regard Nelson's achievement at the Nile as the most significant of his career, Trafalgar notwithstanding.^[39] Mediterranean redirects here. ... Combatants England Ottoman Empire France Commanders W. Sidney Smith Napoleon Bonaparte Strength Unknown 8000 Casualties Unknown ~ 2,000 The Siege of Acre of 1799 was a siege of the Turkish-defended, walled city of Acre (now Akko in modern Israel) by Napoleon Bonaparte, future Emperor of France. ... Sir William Sidney Smith KCB (21 June 1764 – 26 May 1840) was the British admiral of whom Napoleon Bonaparte said, That man made me miss my destiny. // Early life and career Sidney Smith, as he always called himself, was born into a military and naval family with connections to the...

Rewards

Emma Hamilton, in a portrait by George Romney, at the height of her beauty in the 1780s

For the spectacular victory of the Nile, Nelson was granted the title of Baron Nelson of the Nile. (Nelson felt cheated that he was not awarded a more prestigious title; Sir John Jervis had been made Earl of St. Vincent for his part in the Battle of Cape St. Vincent, but the British Government insisted that an officer who was not the commander-in-chief could not be raised to any peerage higher than a barony). Nelson felt throughout his life that his accomplishments were not fully rewarded by the British government, a fact he ascribed to his humble birth and lack of political connections as compared during his lifetime to the Earl of St Vincent or after his death to the Duke of Wellington. Not content to rest on his laurels, Nelson then rescued the Neapolitan royal family from a French invasion in December 1797. During his time in Naples he fell in love with Emma Hamilton, who became his mistress. Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Emma Hamilton, in one of dozens of portraits by George Romney, at the height of her beauty in the 1780s Emma Hamilton (Lady Hamilton) (April 26, 1765 - January 16, 1815) is best remembered as the mistress of Lord Nelson. ... Portrait of Miss Willoughby, second half of 18th century. ... John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (9 January 1735-14 March 1823) was an admiral in the British Royal Navy. ... John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent (9 January 1735-14 March 1823) was an admiral in the British Royal Navy. ... Italic text His Grace Field Marshal the Most Noble Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, GCB, GCH, PC, FRS (c. ... An invasion is a military action consisting of armed forces of one geopolitical entity entering territory controlled by another such entity, generally with the objective of conquering territory, or altering the established government. ...

In 1799 Nelson was promoted to Rear Admiral of the Red, the seventh highest rank in the Royal Navy. He was then assigned to the new third-rate Foudroyant. In July he aided Admiral Ushakov with the reconquest of Naples after the Parthenopaean Republic, and was made Duke of Bronte by the Neapolitan king. Some have suggested that a head wound Nelson received at Aboukir Bay was partially responsible for his personal conduct and for the way he managed the Neapolitan campaign. He was accused of allowing the monarchists to kill prisoners contrary to the laws of war. Perhaps Nelson's zeal was due simultaneously to his English hatred of Jacobins and his status as a Neapolitan royalist (as the Duke of Bronte). The Neapolitan campaign is now considered something of a disgrace to his name. Admiral is a senior rank of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, outranked only by the rank Admiral of the Fleet. ... This is one of six ratings (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th) in the rating system of the Royal Navy. ... For other ships with the same name, see HMS Foudroyant. ... Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov - Wikipedia /**/ @import /skins/monobook/IE50Fixes. ... Location of the city of Naples (red dot) within Italy. ... The Parthenopaean Republic formed a brief interlude in the history of the Kingdom of Naples, the result of activities of France in the aftermath of Jacobinism to export revolution . Origins of the Republic On the outbreak of the French Revolution King Ferdinand IV of Naples and Queen Maria Carolina did... The district of Bronte in Sicily lies near Mount Etna. ... In the context of the French Revolution, a Jacobin originally meant a member of the Jacobin Club (1789-1794), but even at that time, the term Jacobins had been popularly applied to all promulgators of extreme revolutionary opinions: for example, Jacobin democracy is synonymous with totalitarian democracy. ... The district of Bronte in Sicily lies near Mount Etna. ...

Personal problems and some upper-level disappointment at his professional conduct caused him to be recalled to Britain. He, Emma and William meandered back to Britain via Central Europe (hearing the Missa in Angustiis by Haydn that now bears Nelson's name in Vienna in 1800), and eventually arrived in Britain later in 1800 to a hero's welcome. (Also in 1800 Lord Nelson was appointed High Steward of Ipswich, though he failed to become the town's MP.) The three then lived together openly, and Emma had Nelson's child, Horatia, in 1801. However, public knowledge of Nelson's affair with Lady Hamilton eventually induced the Admiralty to send him back to sea, if only to get him away from her. The Missa in angustiis (also known as the Lord Nelson Mass, Imperial Mass, and other names) is a mass for soloists, chorus, and orchestra, written in 1798 by Joseph Haydn. ... (Franz) Joseph Haydn (in German, Josef; he never used the Franz) (March 31, 1732 – May 31, 1809) was a leading composer of the classical period. ... For other uses, see Vienna (disambiguation). ... // ON MAY 5 1853 MR.FADER HAD SEX WITH A MAN NAME MR WIEN THEN THEY HAD SON NAMEDMRS COTURE AND MR MANOOGIAN WENT INTO MRS HASKELLS OFFICE NAKED AND DANCED AROUND AND MASTERBATED ON HER CHEST AND SHE LICKED IT OFF THEN THEY HAD ORAL SEEX WITH NAPLOEAN OF...

On 1 January 1801 Nelson was promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue (the sixth highest rank). Within a few months he took part in the Battle of Copenhagen (2 April 1801) which was fought in order to break up the armed neutrality of Denmark, Sweden, and Russia. During the action, his commander, Sir Hyde Parker, signalled to Nelson to break off the action. This was to allow Nelson to retreat if he needed to – he could not legally do so without Parker's command – whilst Parker knew that Nelson would disregard the signal if he could continue the battle.^[40] Nelson ordered that the signal be acknowledged, but not repeated. Legend has it that Nelson turned to his flag Captain, Sir Thomas Foley, and said "You know, Foley, I only have one eye – I have the right to be blind sometimes," and then holding his telescope to his blind eye, said "I really do not see the signal!".^[41] His action was approved in retrospect, following a successful outcome to the battle, and in May he became commander-in-chief in the Baltic Sea. As a reward, he was created Viscount Nelson, of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, on 22 May 1801. In addition, on 18 August 1801, he was created Baron Nelson, of the Nile and of Hilborough in the County of Norfolk, this time with a special remainder to his father and sisters.^[42] is the 1st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... Admiral is a senior rank of the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom, outranked only by the rank Admiral of the Fleet. ... The Battle of Copenhagen The Battle of Copenhagen (Danish: Slaget på Reden) was a naval battle fought on 2 April 1801 by a British fleet under the command of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, against a Danish fleet anchored just off Copenhagen. ... is the 92nd day of the year (93rd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... Admiral Sir Hyde Parker (1739–1807) after the painting by Romney For others of the same name, see Hyde Parker Sir Hyde Parker (1739-1807), second son of Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, 5th Baronet (1714-1782), entered the Royal Navy at an early age, and became lieutenant in 1758, having... Sir Thomas Foley (1757-1833), British admiral and Hero of the Battle of the Nile He entered the British Navy in 1770, and, during his time as midshipman, saw a good deal of active service in the West Indies against American privateers. ... For other uses, see Baltic (disambiguation). ...

Meanwhile, Napoleon was massing forces to invade Great Britain. Nelson was placed in charge of defending the English Channel in order to thwart any such invasion. However, on 22 October 1801 an armistice was signed between the British and the French, and Nelson – in poor health again – retired to Britain where he stayed with his friends, Sir William and Lady Hamilton. The three embarked on a tour of England and Wales, culminating in a stay in Birmingham. They visited Matthew Boulton on his sick bed at Soho House and toured his Soho Manufactory. In 1802 Nelson bought Merton Place, a country estate in Merton, Surrey (now south-west London) where he lived briefly with Emma Hamilton. For other uses, see Napoleon (disambiguation). ... For the Thoroughbred racehorse of the same name, see English Channel (horse). ... is the 295th day of the year (296th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... The Union Jack, flag of the newly formed United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. ... William Hamilton Sir William Douglas Hamilton (December 13, 1730–April 6, 1803) was a Scottish diplomat, antiquarian, archaeologist and volcanologist. ... This article is about the British city. ... Matthew Boulton. ... Soho House, Matthew Boultons home in Handsworth, Birmingham, England, is now a museum (opened in 1995), managed by Birmingham City Council, celebrating his life, his partnership with James Watt and his membership of the Lunar Society. ... The Soho Manufactory was an early factory, opening in Soho, Birmingham, England by Matthew Boulton in 1761. ... -1... This article is about the English county. ...

During this period Nelson, who had never succeeded in his aspirations to enter the House of Commons, spoke in support of the Addington government in the House of Lords, although he never held government office. At that time it was not uncommon for military figures to be involved in politics and even hold office (e.g. Wellington, who was briefly Chief Secretary for Ireland).

The Battle of Trafalgar - death and burial

Main article: Battle of Trafalgar

The Battle of Trafalgar, painted by Nicholas Pocock.

Nelson is shot on the quarterdeck, painted by Denis Dighton, c. 1825.

Nelson's famous signal, "England expects that every man will do his duty", flying from Victory on the bicentenary of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) shows the last three letters of the famous signal, "England expects that every man will do his duty" flying from Victory.

Nelson's pre-battle prayer, inscribed on oak timber from HMS Victory.

The Peace of Amiens was not to last long and Nelson soon returned to duty. He was appointed commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean. Assigned to HMS Victory in May 1803, Nelson joined the blockade of Toulon, France. He would not set foot on dry land again for more than two years. Combatants United Kingdom First French Empire Kingdom of Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson † Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve Strength 27 ships of the line and 6 others. ... Download high resolution version (1200x664, 135 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1200x664, 135 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Combatants United Kingdom First French Empire Kingdom of Spain Commanders Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson † Pierre Charles Silvestre de Villeneuve Strength 27 ships of the line and 6 others. ... Pococks birds-eye-view painting of the Battle of Copenhagen (1801). ... Download high resolution version (1000x663, 211 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Download high resolution version (1000x663, 211 KB) Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. ... Quarterdeck Office Systems, later Quarterdeck Corporation, was an American computer software company. ... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 2357 KB) Summary Photographer: User:Ballista Edit Info:HMS Victory (1765) Licensing Talk File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson Battle of... Image File history File linksMetadata Download high-resolution version (2560x1920, 2357 KB) Summary Photographer: User:Ballista Edit Info:HMS Victory (1765) Licensing Talk File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson Battle of... The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) shows the last three letters of this famous signal flying from the Victory. ... The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) The painting combines events from several times during the battle. ... The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) The painting combines events from several times during the battle. ... The Battle of Trafalgar The Battle of Trafalgar was painted by J. M. W. Turner in 1824. ... Joseph Mallord William Turner (23 April 1775[1] – 19 December 1851) was an English Romantic landscape painter, watercolourist and printmaker, whose style can be said to have laid the foundation for Impressionism. ... The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) shows the last three letters of this famous signal flying from the Victory. ... For other ships of the same name, see HMS Victory (disambiguation). ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (854x1343, 497 KB) Summary Photographer: User:Ballista Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (854x1343, 497 KB) Summary Photographer: User:Ballista Licensing I, the creator of this work, hereby grant the permission to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License, Version 1. ... For other ships of the same name, see HMS Victory (disambiguation). ... The Treaty of Amiens was signed on March 25, 1802 (Germinal 4, year X in the French Revolutionary Calendar) by Joseph Bonaparte and the Marquis Cornwallis as a Definitive Treaty of Peace between France and Britain. ... For other ships of the same name, see HMS Victory (disambiguation). ... Toulon or Toulon-sur-mer (Tolon in Provençal) is a city in southern France, and préfecture (capital) of the Var département in the former province of Provence. ...

Nelson was promoted to Vice Admiral of the White (the fifth highest rank) while still at sea, on 23 April