Horatio Nelson
1758–1805Horatio Nelson is the most famous naval officers of all time. He fought during the French Revolutionary Wars and the Napoleonic Wars, and he remains one of the most celebrated heroes in all of British History. In the process of winning numerous important naval victories for England, the presence of Nelson always added a great deal of romance and drama to the conflict. He was a highly inspirational leader that brought out the best of the seamen that he fought with so his victories were always marked with a great deal of reckless courage, swashbuckling bravado, and terrific sea-faring lore. Given that naval service, in reality, was a grindingly difficult and often tedious job, the romance and flair that heroes like Nelson lent to the occupation, elevated not only their own reputations, but that of the entire branch of service.
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When the French Revolutionary Wars broke out in the early 1790's, Nelson's career fell into full swing. Early on, he was wounded in the face at Calvi, and lost sight in his right eye. After recovering he returned to duty, and was instrumental in Britain's great victory over the French at the battle of St. Vincent, by disobeying orders, and falling out of line in order to prevent Spain's retreating ships from escaping. Sir John Jervis, his commanding officer, recognized his genius, but Nelson was not particularly popular with the Admiralty due to his marked tendency for "dramatic and bold", but risky exploits. He was, however, exceedingly popular with sailors, and the public, with whom he already beginning to establish a reputation.
More victories and associated dramatics followed in quick succession. He lost his right arm in a battle off Santa Cruz Teneriffe, but shortly after won a great victory against Napoleon at the Battle of the Nile. While stationed in Naples, he fell in love with Lady Hamilton, and began a scandalous affair that only increased the notoriety of both lovers. Returning to business, he won the great battle of Copenhagen, again by disobeying direct orders, and shortly afterward Britain declared peace with France. The peace, however, was short lived. Napoleon, who was now emperor of France, began immediately to rebuild his fleet in anticipation of a naval invasion of Britain. Nelson return to sea in 1803 and pursued the combined French-Spanish fleet all over the Mediterranean, always attempting to draw them into battle. In October 1805, he cornered the fleet at Trafalgar, and forced a battle using a highly unorthodox battle formation. The victory was overwhelmingly in favor of the British; only a few French ships escaping capture or destruction. Nelson himself however, was mortally wounded. His naval costume, bristling with medals, made him an easy mark for a French sniper, firing from the main mast of an enemy ship.
Key events during the life of Horatio Nelson:
| Nelson is born in Norfolk | |
| Embarks on his first voyage with his uncle, Maurice Sucking. | |
| 'Lieutenant' Nelson fights on British side in Revolutionary War. | |
| Contacts malaria and returns to England for a year. | |
| Nelson returns to active duty in the West Indies. | |
| In command of the Agamemnon, he began his career of notable service during the French Revolutionary Wars. | |
| Wounded in the face at Calvi—lost sight in right eye. | |
| Appointed Commodore by Sir John Jervis. | |
| Helped with the great Battle of Cape St. Vincent by disobeying orders. | |
| Lost right arm in battle at Santa Cruz de Tenerife. | |
| Defeats Napoleon at the Battle of the Nile and ends his attempt to attack British India. | |
| While stationed in Naples, Nelson falls in love with Lady Hamilton. | |
| Won the Battle of Copenhagen by disobeying orders. | |
| Peace declared with France. Nelson returns to Lady Hamilton, now in London. | |
| Nelson returns to sea as Napoleon rebuild's the French Fleet. | |
| Nelson dies after a heroic fight, at the Great British victory of Trafalgar. |
| Book Links |
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Other Resources
Image Links | ||
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 Lord Nelson in Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary |
 The Nelson monument, St Paul's cathedral in Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary |
 The death of Nelson in Cambridge Historical Reader—Primary |
 Lord Nelson in Stories from English History, Part Third |
 Our greatest Naval Hero, Admiral Lord Nelson in The Hanoverians |
 The Death of Nelson in The Hanoverians |
 Death of Nelson in The Story of the English |
 Nelson boarding the St. Nicholas in Famous Men of Modern Times |
 Nelson in the Battle of Trafalgar in Famous Men of Modern Times |
Lord Horatio Nelson in Back Matter |
Nelson at trafalgar in Back Matter |
 They have done for me at last, Hardy,' said Nelson. in Our Island Story |
 The Old Temeraire in Historical Tales: English |
 Nelson at the Battle of Copenhagen in The Story of Nelson |
 His pony and he struggled on in The Story of Nelson |
 There was a heavy sea running in The Story of Nelson |
 Nelson wounded at Calvi in The Story of Nelson |
 Berry helped Nelson into the main-chains of the San Josef in The Story of Nelson |
Nelson leaving Portsmouth to join the Victory in The Story of Nelson |
 They have done for me at last, Hardy.' in The Story of Nelson |
 Nelson's Last Farewell in Great Englishmen |
| John Jervis | Commander of British fleet during the French Revolutionary Wars. Friend of Horatio Nelson. |
| Napoleonic war general who fought in Spain and Portugal. Defeated Napoleon at Waterloo. | |
| Lady Hamilton | Notorious English beauty and consort of several Famous Men. Great love interest of Horatio Nelson. |
| Sir Thomas Hardy | Naval captain and friend of Horatio Nelson. With Nelson when he died at Trafalgar. |
| Maurice Sucking | Naval officer and uncle of Horatio Nelson who trained him as a young man. |