Who was Horatio Nelson?
Admiral Horatio Nelson was a British naval commander famous for his victories during the Napoleonic Wars, especially the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where he was killed. He is one of Britain's greatest national heroes.
Nelson was born in Norfolk in 1758 and joined the Royal Navy at the age of 12. He rose quickly through the ranks.
He lost the sight in his right eye in Corsica in 1794 and most of his right arm at Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797, but continued to command.
Trafalgar
On 21 October 1805, Nelson led the British fleet against the combined French and Spanish fleets off Cape Trafalgar in Spain. Before the battle, he sent the signal England expects that every man will do his duty.
The British won a decisive victory, ending Napoleon's hopes of invading Britain. Nelson was shot by a French marksman and died aboard HMS Victory.
His body was brought home preserved in a cask of brandy, and he was given a state funeral at St Paul's Cathedral.
Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square honors him. His relationship with Emma Hamilton was famous and controversial.