View source for Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson

{{Short description|British Royal Navy admiral (1758–1805)}}
{{Redirect-several|Horatio Nelson|Lord Nelson|Admiral Nelson}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2022}}
{{Infobox person
| honorific_prefix   = [[The Right Honourable]]
| name               = The Viscount Nelson
| honorific_suffix   = {{post-nominals|country=GBR|size=100%|KB}} 
| birth_name         = 
| birth_date         = {{OldStyleDate|29 September|1758|18 September}}
| birth_place        = [[Burnham Thorpe]], Norfolk, Great Britain
| death_date         = {{Death date and age|1805|10|21|1758|9|29|df=yes}}
| death_place        = [[HMS Victory|HMS ''Victory'']], off [[Cape Trafalgar]], Spain
| burial_place       = [[St Paul's Cathedral]], London, England
| image              = HoratioNelson1.jpg
| caption            = Portrait of Nelson by [[Lemuel Francis Abbott|L. F. Abbott]] (1799)
| signature          = Horatio Nelson Signature.svg
| signature_size     = 150px
| spouse             = {{marriage|[[Frances Nelson|Frances Nisbet]]|1787}}
| father             = [[Edmund Nelson (priest)|Edmund Nelson]]
| mother             = [[Catherine Suckling]]
| module             = {{infobox military person | embed=yes
| branch        = [[Royal Navy]]
| serviceyears  = 1771–1805
| rank          = [[Vice-admiral of the White]]
| commands      = [[Mediterranean Fleet]]
| unit          =
| battles       = {{Tree list}}
* '''[[First Anglo-Maratha War]]'''
* '''[[American War of Independence]]'''
** [[Battle of Fort San Juan]]
** [[Battle of Grand Turk]]
* '''[[War of the First Coalition]]'''
** [[Siege of Toulon (1793)|Siege of Toulon]]
** [[Action of 22 October 1793]]
** [[Siege of Bastia]]
** [[Siege of Calvi]]{{WIA}}
** [[Battle of Genoa (1795)|Battle of Genoa]]
** [[Battle of Hyères Islands]]
** [[Action of 31 May 1796]]
** [[Action of 19 December 1796]]
** [[Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)|Battle of Cape St Vincent]]{{WIA}}
** [[Blockade of Cádiz (1797)|Assault on Cádiz]]
** [[Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797)|Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife]] {{WIA}}
* '''[[War of the Second Coalition]]'''
** [[Battle of the Nile]]{{WIA}}
** [[Parthenopean Republic|Neapolitan campaign]]
** [[Battle of the Malta Convoy]]
** [[Siege of Malta (1798–1800)|Siege of Malta]]
** [[Battle of Copenhagen (1801)|Battle of Copenhagen]]
** [[Raid on Boulogne (1801)|Raid on Boulogne]]
* '''[[War of the Third Coalition]]'''
** [[Battle of Trafalgar]]{{KIA}}
{{Tree list/end}}
| awards        = [[Order of the Bath]]

* ''[[#Titles|Several others (see below)]]''
}}
}}

[[Vice admiral (Royal Navy)|Vice-Admiral]] '''Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronte'''  {{post-nominals|country=GBR|KB2}}<!--NB: KB not KCB--> ({{OldStyleDate|29 September|1758|18 September}} – 21 October 1805) was a British [[flag officer]] in the [[Royal Navy]]. His inspirational leadership, grasp of strategy and unconventional tactics brought about a number of decisive British naval victories during the [[French Revolutionary wars|French Revolutionary]] and [[Napoleonic Wars]]. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history. His victory on 21 October 1805 at the [[Battle of Trafalgar]] led to British naval supremacy over the next century and beyond.

Nelson was born into a moderately prosperous [[Norfolk]] family and joined the navy through the influence of his uncle, [[Maurice Suckling]], a high-ranking naval officer. Nelson rose rapidly through the ranks and served with leading naval commanders of the period before obtaining his own command at the age of 20, in 1778. He developed a reputation for personal valour and a firm grasp of tactics, but suffered periods of illness and unemployment after the end of the [[American War of Independence]]. The outbreak of the [[French Revolutionary Wars]] allowed Nelson to return to service, where he was particularly active in the [[Mediterranean]]. He fought in several minor engagements off [[Toulon]] and was important in the capture of [[Corsica]], where he was wounded and partially lost sight in one eye, and subsequent diplomatic duties with the Italian states. In 1797, he distinguished himself while in command of {{HMS|Captain|1787|6}} at the [[Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)|Battle of Cape St Vincent]]. Shortly after that battle, Nelson took part in the [[Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797)|Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], where the attack failed and he lost his right arm, forcing him to return to England to recuperate. The following year he won a decisive victory over the French at the [[Battle of the Nile]] and remained in the Mediterranean to support the [[Kingdom of Naples]] against a French invasion.

In 1801, Nelson was dispatched to the [[Baltic Sea]] and defeated [[Second League of Armed Neutrality|neutral]] [[Denmark-Norway|Denmark]] at the [[Battle of Copenhagen (1801)|Battle of Copenhagen]]. He commanded the blockade of the French and Spanish fleets at Toulon and, after their escape, chased them to the [[West Indies]] and back but failed to bring them to battle. After a brief return to England, he took over the [[Cádiz]] blockade, in 1805. On 21 October 1805, the Franco-Spanish fleet came out of port, and Nelson's fleet engaged them at the [[Battle of Trafalgar]]. The battle became one of Britain's greatest naval victories, but Nelson, aboard {{HMS|Victory}}, was fatally wounded by a French sharpshooter. His body was brought back to England, where he was accorded a state funeral.

Nelson's death at Trafalgar secured his position as one of Britain's most heroic figures. His signal just prior to the commencement of the battle, "[[England expects that every man will do his duty]]", is regularly quoted and paraphrased.  Numerous monuments, including [[Nelson's Column]] in [[Trafalgar Square]], London, and the [[Nelson Monument, Edinburgh|Nelson Monument]] in [[Edinburgh]], have been created in his memory.
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==Early life==
[[File:Birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson, Burnham Thorpe - geograph.org.uk - 377940.jpg|thumb|left|The site of the rectory in [[Burnham Thorpe]] where Nelson was born in 1758]]

Horatio Nelson was born on {{OldStyleDate|29 September|1758|18 September}}, at a rectory in [[Burnham Thorpe]], [[Norfolk]], England; the sixth of eleven children of the Reverend [[Edmund Nelson (priest)|Edmund Nelson]] and his wife, [[Catherine Suckling]].<ref name="Sugden 36">Sugden, 2004, p. 36</ref> He was named "[[Horatio (given name)|Horatio]]" after his godfather [[Horatio Walpole, 1st Earl of Orford]] (1723–1809),<ref name="Memoirs1">Pettigrew 1849, p. 1</ref> the first cousin of his maternal great-grandmother Anne Turner (1691–1768). Horatio Walpole was a nephew of [[Robert Walpole]], 1st Earl of Orford, the ''[[de facto]]'' first [[prime minister of Great Britain]].<ref name=11brit352>''Britannica'' 11th edition, p. 352</ref> Nelson retained a strong Christian faith throughout his life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/nelson-man#:~:text=Nelson%20had%20a%20strong%20Christian,of%20thanksgiving%20after%20his%20victories |title=Nelson the man &#124; Royal Museums Greenwich |publisher=Rmg.co.uk |date= |accessdate=6 May 2022}}</ref> 

Nelson's uncle [[Maurice Suckling]] was a high-ranking naval officer, and is believed to have had a major impact on Nelson's life.<ref name="Hibbert 394" />

Catherine Suckling lived in the village of [[Barsham, Suffolk]], and married the Reverend Edmund Nelson at [[Beccles]] Church, [[Suffolk]], in 1749.<ref name="Sir Nicholas Harris 18">Nicolas, ''The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson'', Vol, I p. 18</ref>

Nelson attended [[Paston Grammar School]], [[North Walsham]], until he was 12 years old, and also attended [[Norwich School (educational institution)|King Edward VI's Grammar School]] in [[Norwich]]. His naval career began on 1 January 1771, when he reported to the newly commissioned [[third-rate]] {{HMS|Raisonnable|1768|6}} as an [[Ordinary seaman (rating)|ordinary seaman]] and [[coxswain]] under his maternal uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling, who commanded the vessel. Shortly after reporting aboard, Nelson was appointed a [[midshipman]], and began officer training. Early in his service, Nelson discovered that he experienced [[seasickness]], a chronic complaint that he experienced for the rest of his life.<ref name="Sugden 56">Sugden, 2004, p. 56</ref>

==East and West Indies, 1771–1780==
''Raisonnable'' had been commissioned during a period of tension with Spain, but when this passed, Suckling was transferred to the [[Nore]] [[guardship]] {{HMS|Triumph|1764|6}} and Nelson was dispatched to serve aboard the West Indiaman ''Mary Ann'' of the merchant shipping firm of [[Hibbert, Purrier and Horton]], in order to gain experience at sea.<ref>Hibbert 1994, p. 13</ref> He sailed from [[Medway]], Kent, on 25 July 1771, heading to Jamaica and Tobago, and returning to Plymouth on 7 July 1772.<ref name=NArch>{{cite web|title=Joining the Royal Navy|url=https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/nelson/gallery2/|website=Nelson, Trafalgar and those who served|publisher=National Archives|access-date=28 July 2015}}</ref> He twice crossed the Atlantic, before returning to serve under his uncle as the commander of Suckling's longboat, which carried men and dispatches, to and from shore. Nelson then learnt of a [[1773 Phipps expedition towards the North Pole|planned expedition]], under the command of [[Constantine Phipps, 2nd Baron Mulgrave|Constantine Phipps]], intended to survey a passage in the Arctic by which it was hoped that India could be reached: the fabled [[North-East Passage]].<ref name="Memoirs4">Pettigrew 1849, p. 4</ref>

At his nephew's request, Suckling arranged for Nelson to join the expedition as coxswain<ref name="Memoirs4"/> to Commander [[Skeffington Lutwidge]] aboard the converted [[bomb vessel]], {{HMS|Carcass|1759|6}}. The expedition reached within ten degrees of the [[North Pole]], but, unable to find a way through the dense ice floes, was forced to turn back. By 1800, Lutwidge had begun to circulate a story that, while the ship had been trapped in the ice, Nelson had spotted and pursued a [[polar bear]], before being ordered to return to the ship. Later, in 1809, Lutwidge had it that Nelson, and a companion, gave chase to the bear and upon being questioned as to why, replied: "I wished, Sir, to get the skin for my father."<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 75.</ref>

Nelson briefly returned to ''Triumph'', after the expedition's return to Britain, in September 1773. Suckling then arranged for his transfer to {{HMS|Seahorse|1748|6}}; one of two ships about to sail for the [[East Indies]].<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 81</ref>

[[File:Young Nelson.jpg|thumb|Captain Horatio Nelson, painted by [[John Francis Rigaud]] in 1781, with Fort San Juan—the scene of his most notable achievement up to that point—in the background. The painting itself was begun and nearly finished prior to the battle, when Nelson held the rank of lieutenant; when Nelson returned, the artist added the new captain's gold-braided sleeves.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 464</ref>]]

Nelson sailed for the East Indies on 19 November 1773, and arrived at the British outpost at [[Madras]] on 25 May 1774.<ref>Sugden 2004, pp. 92–93</ref> Nelson and ''Seahorse'' spent the rest of the year cruising off the coast and escorting [[merchantmen]]. With the outbreak of the [[First Anglo-Maratha War]], the British fleet operated in support of the [[Honourable East India Company|East India Company]] and in early 1775, ''Seahorse'' was dispatched to carry a cargo of the company's money to [[Bombay]]. On 19 February, two of [[Hyder Ali]]'s [[ketch]]es attacked ''Seahorse'', which drove them off after a brief exchange of fire. This was Nelson's first experience of battle.<ref>Sugden 2004, pp. 95–97</ref>

Nelson spent the rest of the year escorting convoys, during which he continued to develop his navigation and ship handling skills. In early 1776, he contracted malaria and became seriously ill. He was discharged from ''Seahorse'' on 14 March and returned to England aboard {{HMS|Dolphin|1751|6}}.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 103</ref> Nelson spent the six-month voyage recuperating and had almost recovered by the time he arrived in Britain, in September. His patron, Suckling, had risen to the post of [[Comptroller of the Navy (Navy Board)|Comptroller of the Navy]] in 1775, and used his influence to help Nelson gain further promotion.<ref name=11brit352/><ref name=suckling>{{London Gazette|issue=11550 |date=4 April 1775|page=2}}</ref> Nelson was appointed [[acting rank|acting]] [[lieutenant (Royal Navy)|lieutenant]] aboard {{HMS|Worcester|1769|6}}, which was about to sail to [[Gibraltar]].<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 106</ref>

''Worcester'', under the command of Captain [[Mark Robinson (Royal Navy officer)|Mark Robinson]], sailed as a convoy escort on 3 December, and returned with another convoy in April 1777.<ref>Sugden 2004, pp. 109–111</ref> Nelson then travelled to London to take his lieutenant's examination on 9 April; his examining board consisted of Captains [[John Campbell (Royal Navy officer)|John Campbell]], Abraham North, and his uncle, Suckling. Nelson passed the examination, and the next day received his commission, and an appointment to {{HMS|Lowestoffe|1761|6}}, which was preparing to sail to [[Jamaica]], under Captain [[William Locker (Royal Navy)|William Locker]].<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 113</ref> She sailed on 16 May, arrived on 19 July, and after reprovisioning, carried out several cruises in Caribbean waters. After the outbreak of the [[American Revolutionary War|American War of Independence]], ''Lowestoffe'' took several prizes, one of which was taken into Navy service as ''Little Lucy''. Nelson asked for, and was given, command of her, and took her on two cruises of his own.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 126</ref>

As well as giving him his first taste of command, it gave Nelson the opportunity to explore his fledgling interest in science. During his first cruise in command of ''Little Lucy'', Nelson led an expeditionary party to the [[Caicos]] Islands,<ref>White 2006, p. 87</ref> where he made detailed notes of the wildlife and in particular a bird—now believed to be the [[white-necked jacobin]].<ref name="Nelson 166">{{cite book |last=Nelson|title=Nelson: The New Letters (2008) |page=166}}</ref> Locker, impressed by Nelson's abilities, recommended him to the new [[Jamaica Station (Royal Navy)|commander-in-chief at Jamaica]], [[Sir Peter Parker, 1st Baronet|Sir Peter Parker]]. Parker duly took Nelson onto his flagship, {{HMS|Bristol|1775|6}}.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 128</ref> The entry of the French into the war, in support of the Americans, meant further targets for Parker's fleet. It took many prizes towards the end of 1778, which brought Nelson an estimated £400 ({{Inflation|UK|400|1778|fmt=eq|r=-2|cursign=£}}) in [[prize money]]. Parker appointed him as [[Commander|master and commander]] of the [[brig]] {{HMS|Badger|1777|6}} on 8 December.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 131</ref>

Nelson and ''Badger'' spent most of 1779 cruising off of the Central American coast, ranging as far as the British settlements at [[Belize|British Honduras]] (now Belize), and [[Nicaragua]], but without much success at interception of enemy prizes.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 135</ref> On his return to [[Port Royal]], he learnt that Parker had promoted him to [[post-captain]] on 11 June, and intended to give him another command. Nelson handed over the ''Badger'' to [[Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood|Cuthbert Collingwood]], while he awaited the arrival of his new ship: the 28-gun [[frigate]] {{HMS|Hinchinbrook|1778|6}},{{efn|The spelling of the name was widely varied, and numerous versions exist even in current literature. Variations include ''Hinchinbroke'', ''Hinchinbrooke'', ''Hinchingbroke'', ''Hinchingbrook'' and ''Hinchingbrooke''.}} newly captured from the French.<ref>Goodwin 2002, p. 81</ref> While Nelson waited, news reached Parker that a French fleet under the command of [[Charles Hector, comte d'Estaing]], was approaching Jamaica. Parker hastily organized his defences and placed Nelson in command of [[Fort Charles (Jamaica)|Fort Charles]], which covered the approaches to [[Kingston, Jamaica|Kingston]].<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 143</ref> D'Estaing instead headed north, and the anticipated invasion never materialised.

Nelson took command of the ''Hinchinbrook'' on 1 September 1779.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 145</ref> ''Hinchinbrook'' sailed from Port Royal on 5 October and, in company with other British ships, proceeded to capture a number of American prizes.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 147</ref> On his return to Jamaica in December, Nelson began to be troubled by recurrent attacks of malaria. Nelson remained in the West Indies in order to take part in Major-General [[Sir John Dalling, 1st Baronet|John Dalling's]] attempt to [[San Juan Expedition (1780)|capture the Spanish colonies in Central America]], including an assault on the [[Fortress of the Immaculate Conception]] on the San Juan River in Nicaragua.<ref name="Oman30">Oman 1987, p. 30</ref>

In February 1780, ''Hinchinbrook'' sailed from Jamaica as an escort for Dalling's invasion force. After sailing up the mouth of the San Juan River, Nelson's expeditionary force obtained the surrender of the Fortress of the Immaculate Conception and its 160 Spanish defenders after a two-week siege.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 163</ref> Despite this initial success, the British forces never reached Lake Nicaragua and, decimated by [[yellow fever]], were forced to return to Jamaica. The British destroyed the fortress when they evacuated in January 1781. The failed campaign cost the lives of more than 2,500 men, making it the costliest British disaster of the entire war.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 173</ref> Despite this, Nelson was praised for his efforts.<ref name="San_Juan">"Report from Colonel Polson on the capture of the fort at San Juan". {{London Gazette|issue=12101|date=18 July 1780|page=3}}</ref>

Parker recalled Nelson and gave him command of the 44-gun frigate, {{HMS|Janus|1778|6}}.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 168</ref> In 1780, Nelson fell seriously ill with what seemed to be dysentery<ref>{{Cite book|last=White|first=Colin|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9etjK-7ZkUgC|title=The Nelson Encyclopedia|collaboration=|publisher=[[Stackpole Books]]|others=[[Royal Naval Museum]]|year=2002|isbn=978-0811700139|page=106}}</ref> and possibly [[yellow fever]],<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last=Coleman|first=Terry|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OiY8posT9hoC|title=The Nelson Touch: The Life and Legend of Horatio Nelson|publisher=[[Oxford University Press]], US|year=2004|isbn=978-0199924059}}</ref> in the jungles of [[Costa Rica]], and was unable to take command. He was taken to Kingston, Jamaica, to be nursed by "doctoress" [[Cubah Cornwallis]], a rumoured mistress of fellow captain [[William Cornwallis]];<ref name="RH12">{{cite book |last=Hill |first=Richard |year=1855 |title=A week at Port Royal |publisher=Cornwall Chronicle Office |pages=2–5 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=pb4NAAAAQAAJ&q=couba+cornwallis&pg=PA4 |access-date=4 October 2010}}</ref> she ran a combination lodging-house and convalescence home for sailors.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Robinson|first=Jane|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TvOvDwAAQBAJ|title=Mary Seacole: The Charismatic Black Nurse Who Became a Heroine of the Crimea|publisher=[[Little, Brown Book Group]]|year=2019|isbn=978-1472144904}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> He was discharged in August and returned to Britain aboard {{HMS|Lion|1777|6}},<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 182</ref> arriving in late November. Nelson gradually recovered over several months, and soon began agitating for a command. He was appointed to the frigate {{HMS|Albemarle|1779|6}} on 15 August 1781.<ref>Sugden 2004, p. 187</ref>

=== Nelson's views on slavery ===

While Nelson served in the [[West Indies]], he came into contact with several prominent white colonists residing there, forming friendships with many of them. These relationships led Nelson to absorb their [[proslavery]] views, particularly the view that slavery was necessary to the islands' economic prosperity. According to Grindal, Nelson later used his social influence to counter the [[Abolitionism in the United Kingdom|emerging abolitionist movement in Britain]].<ref>Grindal 2016 p. 14</ref> [[University of Southampton]] academic Christer Petley contextualises this view:

{{blockquote|The debate over the future of slavery divided Britons. [[William Wilberforce|Wilberforce]] personified one type of British patriotism—arguing for an end to slave-trading on the basis that it was a blot on the reputation of a proud and Christian nation. Slaveholders offered their own patriotic arguments—maintaining that the trade was so instrumental to the imperial economy that Britain could ill-afford to stop it. Nelson had befriended several slaveholding colonists during his time in the Caribbean. Privately, he came to sympathise with their political outlook. It is clear that, by the time of his death at Trafalgar, he despised Wilberforce and stood in staunch opposition to the British abolitionist campaign.<ref>Petley, Christer. 2018. '[https://blog.soton.ac.uk/slaveryandrevolution/2018/12/07/reflections-on-nelsons-dark-side/ 'Reflections on "Nelson's dark side"']'. University of Southampton Slavery and Revolution project.</ref>}}

Over the course of his life, Nelson came into contact numerous times with aspects of slavery and the people who were involved in that institution. These included both his relationships with Caribbean [[Planter class|plantation owners]] and his marriage to Fanny, a slaveowner who was born into a family which belonged to the Antiguan [[Slavocracy|plantocracy]]. One of his friends in the West Indies was [[Simon Taylor (sugar planter)|Simon Taylor]], one of the richest plantation owners in [[Colony of Jamaica|Jamaica]] who owned hundreds of slaves. In 1805, Taylor wrote to Nelson, requesting that he publicly intervene in favour of the pro-slavery side in Britain's debate over abolition. Nelson wrote a letter back to Taylor, writing that "while [he had] ... a tongue", he would "launch [his] voice against the damnable and cursed ''(sic)''{{refn|group=lower-alpha|The ''pressed copy'' in the [[British Library]] states "cruel" not "cursed", which Nelson artefacts specialist, Martyn Downer, argues alters the author's intended meaning significantly.}} doctrine of [[William Wilberforce|Wilberforce]] and his hypocritical allies".<ref>{{cite book |title=Cobbett's weekly political register, Volume 11 January to June |publisher= R. Bagshaw|location=London |year=1807|pages=295–296 [https://archive.org/details/cobbettsweeklyp01goog/page/n162/mode/2up]}}</ref> In the same letter, Nelson also wrote that he had always "[endeavoured] to serve the Public weal, of which the [[British West Indies|West India Colonies]] form so prominent and interesting a part. I have ever been, and shall die, a firm friend to our present Colonial system. I was bred, as you know, in the good old school, and taught to appreciate the value of our West India possessions."<ref>letter of 10 June 1805; see Dane 1942, p. 261. Note that the more disputed material from this letter has been edited out of this wartime volume.</ref>

This letter was published in 1807, by the anti-abolitionist faction; some eighteen months after Nelson's death, and out of context, in an apparent attempt to bolster their cause prior to the parliamentary vote on the Abolition Bill. The wording of the letter as published in 1807—not in Nelson's handwriting, and with a poor facsimile of his signature—appears out of character for Nelson whose many other surviving letters never expressed racist or pro-slavery sentiments. Comparison with the "pressed copy" of the original letter—now part of the Bridport papers held in the British Library—shows that the published copy had 25 alterations,<ref>''The Nelson Dispatch, Journal of the Nelson Society'', vol. 3, pt. 12, Autumn 2020, pp. 724–743</ref> distorting it to give it a more anti-Abolitionist slant. Many of Nelson's actions indicate his position on the matter of slavery, most notably:

[[File:Nelson's column - Death of Nelson at Trafalgar.JPG|thumb|[[Nelson's Column]] – ''Death of Nelson at Trafalgar'' panel, with [[George Ryan (sailor)|George Ryan]] standing on the left-hand edge, holding a rifle]]
* Any West Indian slave escaping to a navy ship, including Nelson's, were signed on, paid, and treated the same as other crew members. At the end of their service they were discharged as free men. In fact, the bronze relief at the base of Nelson's column clearly shows the black [[George Ryan (sailor)|George Ryan]], aged 23, with musket shooting the French alongside the dying Admiral.<ref>[[David Olusoga|Olusoga, David]], 2016, ''[[Black and British: A Forgotten History]]'', Chapter: Introduction, Macmillan, 2016, {{ISBN|978-1447299745}}</ref>
* In 1799, Nelson intervened to secure the release of 24 slaves being held in Portuguese galleys off Palermo.<ref name="Downer, Martyn 2017, p.77">Downer, Martyn, 2017, Nelson's Lost Jewel: The Extraordinary Story of the Lost Diamond Chelengk, p. 77</ref><ref name="Nicolas p. 231">Nicolas, The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson, Vol, 3 p. 231</ref>
* In 1802, when it was proposed that West Indian plantation slaves should be replaced by free, paid industrious Chinese workers—Nelson supported the idea.<ref name="Sugden 2013">Sugden 2013, p. 684</ref>
* In 1805, Nelson rescued the black Haitian General Joseph Chretien, and his servant, from the French. They asked if they could serve with Nelson, and Nelson recommended to the Admiralty that they be paid until they could be discharged and granted passage to Jamaica. The General's mission was to end slavery, a fact of which Nelson was well aware. The general and his servant were well treated and paid.<ref>Nicolas, ''The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson'', Vol, 6 p. 412</ref>
* The Nelson family used to have a free black servant called Price. Nelson said of him he was "as good a man as ever lived" and he suggested to Emma that she invite the elderly Price to live with them. In the event, Price declined.<ref name="Pettigrew 1849">Pettigrew 1849, vol 2, p. 81</ref>

==Command, 1781–1796==

=== Captain of ''Albemarle'' ===

Nelson received orders on 23 October 1781, to take the newly refitted ''Albemarle'' to sea. He was instructed to collect an inbound convoy of the [[Russia Company]] at [[Elsinore]], and escort them back to Britain. For this operation, the Admiralty placed the frigates {{HMS|Argo|1781|6}} and {{HMS|Enterprise|1774|6}} under his command.<ref name="Sugden 190">Sugden 2004, p. 190</ref> Nelson successfully organised the convoy and escorted it into British waters. He then left the convoy to return to port, but severe storms hampered him.<ref name="Sugden 195">Sugden 2004, p. 195</ref> Gales almost wrecked ''Albemarle'', as she was a poorly designed ship and an earlier accident had left her damaged, but Nelson eventually brought her into [[Portsmouth]], in February 1782.<ref name="Sugden 197">Sugden 2004, p. 197</ref> There, the Admiralty ordered him to fit ''Albemarle'' for sea and join the escort for a convoy collecting at [[Cork (city)|Cork]], Ireland, to sail for [[Quebec]], Canada.<ref name="Sugden 202">Sugden 2004, p. 202</ref> Nelson arrived off [[Newfoundland (island)|Newfoundland]] with the convoy in late May, then detached on a cruise to hunt American [[privateer]]s. Nelson was generally unsuccessful; he succeeded only in retaking several captured British merchant ships, and capturing a number of small fishing boats and assorted craft.<ref name="Sugden 204-5">Sugden 2004, pp. 204–205</ref>

In August 1782, Nelson had a narrow escape from a far superior French force under [[Louis-Philippe de Vaudreuil]], only evading them after a prolonged chase.<ref name="Sugden 206">Sugden 2004, p. 206</ref> Nelson arrived at Quebec on 18 September.<ref name="Sugden 209">Sugden 2004, p. 209</ref> He sailed again as part of the escort for a convoy to New York. He arrived in mid-November and reported to Admiral [[Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood|Samuel Hood]], commander of the New York station.<ref name="Sugden 219">Sugden 2004, p. 215</ref> At Nelson's request, Hood transferred him to his fleet and ''Albemarle'' sailed in company with Hood, bound for the West Indies.<ref name="Sugden 215">Sugden 2004, p. 219</ref> On their arrival, the British fleet took up position off Jamaica to await the arrival of de Vaudreuil's force. Nelson and the ''Albemarle'' were ordered to scout the numerous passages for signs of the enemy, but it became clear by early 1783 that the French had eluded Hood.<ref name="Sugden 220">Sugden 2004, p. 220</ref>

During his scouting operations, Nelson had developed a plan to attack the French garrison of the [[Turks & Caicos|Turks Islands]]. Commanding a small flotilla of frigates, and smaller vessels, he [[Battle of Grand Turk|landed a force of 167 seamen and marines]] early on the morning of 8 March, under a supporting bombardment.<ref name="Sugden 222-3">Sugden 2004, pp. 222–223</ref> The French were found to be heavily entrenched and, after several hours, Nelson called off the assault. Several of the officers involved criticised Nelson, but Hood does not appear to have reprimanded him.<ref name="Sugden 224">Sugden 2004, p. 224</ref> Nelson spent the rest of the war cruising in the West Indies, where he captured a number of French and Spanish prizes.<ref name="Sugden 225">Sugden 2004, p. 225</ref> After news of the peace reached Hood, Nelson returned to Britain in late June 1783.<ref name="Sugden 227">Sugden 2004, p. 227</ref>

=== Island of Nevis, marriage and peace ===

[[File:Fanny Nelson.jpg|thumb|Nelson's wife, [[Frances Nelson|Lady Nelson]], formerly Frances "Fanny" Nisbet of the island of [[Nevis]], [[West Indies]]. A painting of the British school, circa 1800, formerly attributed to [[Richard Cosway]], from an earlier copy.]]

Nelson visited France in late 1783 and stayed with acquaintances at [[Saint-Omer]]; briefly attempting to learn [[French (language)|French]] during his stay. He returned to England in January 1784, and attended court as part of Lord Hood's entourage.<ref name="Sugden 241-3">Sugden 2004, pp. 241–243</ref> Influenced by [[1784 British general election|the factional politics of the time]], he contemplated standing for [[Parliament of the United Kingdom|Parliament]] as a supporter of [[William Pitt the Younger|William Pitt]], but was unable to find a [[Constituency|seat]].<ref name="Sugden 243">Sugden 2004, p. 243</ref>

In 1784, Nelson received command of the frigate {{HMS|Boreas|1774|6}}, with the assignment to enforce the [[Navigation Act 1651|Navigation Acts]] in the vicinity of [[Antigua]].<ref name="Sugden 244">Sugden 2004</ref> Nelson hated Antigua and the only consolation was (Mrs) [[Mary Moutray]] who he greatly admired.<ref>{{Cite news |title=El amargo infierno creado por los británicos que fueron por el azúcar de las islas caribeñas |language=es |work=BBC News Mundo |url=https://www.bbc.com/mundo/noticias-41100330 |access-date=2023-06-11}}</ref> The Acts were unpopular with both the Americans and the colonies.<ref name="Sugden 265">Sugden 2004, p. 265</ref> Nelson served on the station under Admiral [[Sir Richard Hughes, 2nd Baronet|Sir Richard Hughes]], and often came into conflict with his superior officer over their differing interpretation of the Acts.<ref name="Sugden 292">Sugden 2004, p. 292</ref> The captains of the American vessels Nelson had seized sued him for illegal seizure. Because the merchants of the nearby island of [[Nevis]] supported the American claim, Nelson was in peril of imprisonment; he remained sequestered on ''Boreas'' for eight months, until the courts ruled in his favour.<ref name="Coleman 2001 67">Coleman 2001, p. 67</ref>

In the interim, Nelson met [[Frances Nelson|Frances "Fanny" Nisbet]], a young widow from a Nevis plantation family.<ref name="Sugden 307">Sugden 2004, p. 307</ref> Nelson developed an affection for her. In response, her uncle, John Herbert, offered him a massive [[dowry]]. Both Herbert and Nisbet concealed the fact that their famed riches were a fiction, and Fanny did not disclose the fact that she was infertile due to a womb infection. Once they were engaged, Herbert offered Nelson nowhere near the dowry he had promised.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}}

During the [[Georgian era]], breaking a marital engagement was seen as quite dishonourable,<ref name="Williams">{{cite book|last=Williams|first=Kate|title=England's Mistress: The Infamous Life of Emma Hamilton|edition=Large Print|publisher=BBC Audiobooks Ltd by arr. with Random House|year=2009|isbn=978-1408430781}}</ref> and so Nelson and Nisbet were married at Montpelier Estate, on the island of Nevis, on 11 March 1787, shortly before the end of his tour of duty in the Caribbean.<ref name="Sugden 351">Sugden 2004, p. 351</ref> The marriage was registered at Fig Tree Church in [[Saint John Figtree Parish|St John's Parish]] on Nevis. Nelson returned to England in July, with Fanny following later.<ref name="Sugden 366">Sugden 2004, p. 366</ref> Following the marriage he became the stepfather of Nisbet's 7-year-old son, Josiah Nisbet.

Nelson remained with ''Boreas'' until she was paid off in November 1787.<ref name="Sugden 371">Sugden 2004, p. 371</ref> He and Fanny then divided their time between [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]] and London, occasionally visiting Nelson's relations in Norfolk. In 1788, they settled at Nelson's childhood home at Burnham Thorpe.<ref name="Sugden 378-80">Sugden 2004, pp. 378–380</ref> Now in reserve and on half-pay, he attempted to persuade the Admiralty—and other senior figures he was acquainted with, such as Hood—to provide him with a command. He was unsuccessful, as there were too few ships in the peacetime navy, and Hood did not intercede on his behalf.<ref name="Sugden 397">Sugden 2004, p. 397</ref>

Nelson spent his time trying to find employment for former crew members, attending to family affairs, and cajoling contacts in the navy for a posting. In 1792, the [[French Revolution|French revolutionary]] government annexed the [[Austrian Netherlands]] (modern Belgium), which were traditionally preserved as a buffer state. The Admiralty recalled Nelson to service and gave him command of the 64-gun {{HMS|Agamemnon|1781|6}}, in January 1793. Nelson took his stepson Josiah with him as a midshipman.<ref name="Sugden 420">{{harvnb|Sugden|2004|p=420}}</ref> On 1 February, France declared war.<ref name="Sugden 412">Sugden 2004, p. 412</ref> 

== Mediterranean service ==
{{see also|Siege of Toulon (1793)}}

In May 1793, Nelson sailed as part of a division under the command of Vice Admiral [[William Hotham, 1st Baron Hotham|William Hotham]], joined later in the month by the rest of Lord Hood's fleet.<ref name="Sugden 422">Sugden 2004, p. 422</ref> The force initially sailed to Gibraltar and—with the intention of establishing naval superiority in the Mediterranean—made their way to [[Toulon]], anchoring off the port in July.<ref name="Sugden 427">Sugden 2004, p. 427</ref> Toulon was largely under the control of moderate republicans and [[House of Bourbon|royalists]], but was threatened by the forces of the [[National Convention]], which were marching on the city. Short of supplies and doubting their ability to defend themselves, the city authorities requested that Hood take it under his protection. Hood readily acquiesced, and sent Nelson to carry dispatches to [[Kingdom of Sardinia|Sardinia]] and [[Kingdom of Naples|Naples]], requesting reinforcements.<ref name="Sugden 429">Sugden 2004, p. 429</ref>

After delivering the dispatches to Sardinia, ''Agamemnon'' arrived at Naples in early September. There, Nelson met King [[Ferdinand IV of Naples]],<ref name="Sugden 431">Sugden 2004, p. 431</ref> followed by the British ambassador to the kingdom, [[William Hamilton (diplomat)|William Hamilton]].<ref name="Sugden 434">Sugden 2004, p. 434</ref> At some point during the negotiations for reinforcements, Nelson was introduced to Hamilton's new wife, [[Emma, Lady Hamilton|Emma Hamilton]], the former mistress of Hamilton's nephew, [[Charles Francis Greville|Charles Greville]].<ref name="Sugden 437">Sugden 2004, p. 437</ref>

The negotiations were successful, and 2,000 men and several ships were mustered by mid-September. Nelson put to sea in pursuit of a French frigate, but on failing to catch her, sailed for [[Livorno|Leghorn]], and then to Corsica.<ref name="Sugden 444">Sugden 2004, p. 444</ref> He arrived at Toulon on 5 October, where he found that a large French army had occupied the hills surrounding the city and was bombarding it. Hood still hoped the city could be held if more reinforcements arrived, and sent Nelson to join a squadron operating off [[Cagliari]].<ref name="Sugden 445-6">Sugden 2004, pp. 445–446</ref>

=== Corsica ===
{{see also|Invasion of Corsica (1794)}}

Early on the morning of 22 October 1793, ''Agamemnon'' sighted five sails. Nelson closed with them and discovered that they were a French squadron. He promptly gave chase, firing on the 40-gun ''Melpomene''.<ref name="Sugden 446-7">Sugden 2004, pp. 446–447</ref> During the [[action of 22 October 1793]], he inflicted considerable damage, but the remaining French ships turned to join the battle. Realising he was outnumbered, Nelson withdrew and continued to Cagliari, arriving on 24 October.<ref name="Sugden 446-7" /> After making repairs, Nelson and ''Agamemnon'' sailed for [[Tunis]] on 26 October with a squadron under Commodore [[Robert Linzee]].<ref name="Sugden 452-3">Sugden 2004, pp. 452–453</ref>

On his arrival, Nelson was given command of a small squadron consisting of ''Agamemnon'', three frigates, and a sloop, and ordered to blockade the French garrison on Corsica.<ref name="Sugden 452-3"/> The fall of Toulon at the end of December 1793 severely damaged British fortunes in the Mediterranean. Hood had failed to make adequate provisions for a withdrawal and 18 French [[Ship of the line|ships-of-the-line]] fell into republican hands.<ref name="Sugden 455">Sugden 2004, p. 455</ref> Nelson's mission to Corsica took on an added significance, as it could provide the British with a naval base close to the French coast.<ref name="Sugden 455"/> Hood therefore reinforced Nelson with extra ships during January 1794.<ref name="Sugden 461">Sugden 2004, p. 461</ref>

A British assault force landed on the island on 7 February, after which, Nelson moved to intensify the blockade off [[Bastia]]. For the rest of the month, he carried out raids along the coast and intercepted enemy shipping. By late February, [[Siege of San Fiorenzo|San Fiorenzo had fallen]] and British troops, under Lieutenant-General [[David Dundas (British Army officer)|David Dundas]], entered the outskirts of Bastia.<ref name="Sugden 471">Sugden 2004, p. 471</ref> However, Dundas merely assessed the enemy positions and then withdrew, arguing that the French were too well entrenched to risk an assault. Nelson convinced Hood otherwise, but a protracted debate between the army and naval commanders meant that Nelson did not receive permission to proceed until late March. Nelson began to land guns from his ships and emplace them in the hills surrounding the town. On 11 April, the British squadron entered the harbour and opened fire, while Nelson took command of the land forces and commenced bombardment.<ref name="Sugden 487">Sugden 2004, p. 487</ref> After 45 days, the town surrendered.<ref name="Sugden 493">Sugden 2004, p. 493</ref> Nelson then prepared for an assault on [[Siege of Calvi|Calvi]], working in company with Lieutenant-General [[Charles Stuart (1753–1801)|Charles Stuart]].<ref name="Oman127">Oman 1987, p. 127</ref>

British forces landed at Calvi on 19 June, and immediately began moving guns ashore to occupy the heights surrounding the town. While Nelson directed a continuous bombardment of the enemy positions, Stuart's men began to advance. On the morning of 12 July, Nelson was at one of the forward batteries when a shot struck one of the nearby sandbags protecting the position, spraying stones and sand. Nelson was struck by debris in his right eye and forced to retire from the position. However, his wound was soon bandaged and he returned to action.<ref name="Sugden 509-10">Sugden 2004, pp. 509–510</ref> By 18 July, most of the enemy positions had been disabled and that night Stuart, supported by Nelson, stormed the main defensive position and captured it. Repositioning their guns, the British brought Calvi under constant bombardment, and the town surrendered on 10 August.<ref name="Sugden 513-4">Sugden 2004, pp. 513–514</ref> Nelson did regain partial sight in his damaged eye after the siege, but by his own account could only "...distinguish light from dark but no object."

=== Genoa and the fight of the ''Ça Ira'' ===
{{Main|Battle of Genoa (1795)}}

[[File:Capnoli.jpg|thumb|The fight of the ''Ça Ira'']]

After the occupation of Corsica, Hood ordered Nelson to open diplomatic relations with the city-state of [[Republic of Genoa|Genoa]]—a strategically important potential ally.<ref name="Sugden 522">Sugden 2004, p. 522</ref> Soon afterwards, Hood returned to England and was succeeded by Admiral [[William Hotham, 1st Baron Hotham|William Hotham]] as commander-in-chief in the Mediterranean. Nelson put into Leghorn and, while ''Agamemnon'' underwent repairs, met with other naval officers at the port and entertained a brief affair with a local woman, Adelaide Correglia.<ref name="Sugden 533">Sugden 2004, p. 533</ref> Hotham arrived with the rest of the fleet in December, whereupon Nelson and ''Agamemnon'' sailed on a number of cruises with them in late 1794 and early 1795.<ref name="Sugden 537">Sugden 2004, p. 537</ref>

On 8 March, news reached Hotham that the French fleet was at sea and heading for Corsica. He immediately set out to intercept them, and Nelson eagerly anticipated his first fleet action. The French were reluctant to engage, and the two fleets shadowed each other on 12 March. The following day, two of the French ships collided, allowing Nelson to engage the much larger, 84-gun [[French ship Ça Ira (1781)|''Ça Ira'']]. This engagement went on for two and a half hours, until the arrival of two French ships forced Nelson to veer away, having inflicted heavy casualties and considerable damage.<ref name="Sugden 546">Sugden 2004, p. 546</ref>

The fleets continued to shadow each other before making contact again on 14 March in the [[Battle of Genoa (1795)|Battle of Genoa]]. Nelson joined the other British ships in attacking the battered ''Ça Ira'', now under tow from [[French ship Censeur (1782)|''Censeur'']]. Heavily damaged, the two French ships were forced to surrender, and Nelson took possession of ''Censeur''. Defeated at sea, the French abandoned their plan to invade Corsica and returned to port.<ref name="Sugden 550">Sugden 2004, p. 550</ref>

=== Skirmishes and the retreat from Italy ===

Nelson and the fleet remained in the Mediterranean throughout the summer of 1795. On 4 July, ''Agamemnon'' sailed from San Fiorenzo, with a small force of frigates and sloops, bound for Genoa. On 6 July, Nelson ran into the French fleet and found himself pursued by several, much larger ships-of-the-line. He retreated to San Fiorenzo, arriving just ahead of the pursuing French, who broke off as Nelson's signal guns alerted the British fleet in the harbour.<ref name="Sugden 556">Sugden 2004, p. 556</ref> Hotham pursued the French to the [[Îles d'Hyères|Hyères Islands]], but failed to bring them to a decisive action. A [[Naval Battle of Hyères Islands|number of small engagements were fought]], but to Nelson's dismay, he saw little action.<ref name="Sugden 556"/>

Nelson returned to operate out of Genoa, intercepting and inspecting merchantmen and cutting-out suspicious vessels, in both enemy and neutral harbours.<ref name="Sugden 574">Sugden 2004, p. 574</ref> Nelson formulated ambitious plans for amphibious landings and naval assaults to frustrate the progress of the [[French Army of Italy]], which was now advancing on Genoa, but could excite little interest in Hotham.<ref name="Sugden 579">Sugden 2004, p. 579</ref> In November, Hotham was replaced by [[Hyde Parker (admiral)|Sir Hyde Parker]], but the situation in Italy was rapidly deteriorating: the French were raiding around Genoa and strong [[Jacobin (politics)|Jacobin]] sentiment was rife within the city itself.<ref name="Sugden 584">Sugden 2004, p. 584</ref>

A large French assault at the end of November, broke the allied lines, forcing a general retreat towards Genoa. Nelson's forces were able to cover the withdrawing army and prevent them from being surrounded, but he had too few ships and men to materially alter the strategic situation. The British were forced to withdraw from the Italian ports. Nelson returned to Corsica on 30 November, angry and depressed with the British failure, and questioning his future in the navy.<ref name="Sugden 588">Sugden 2004, p. 588</ref>

=== Jervis and the evacuation of the Mediterranean ===

In January 1796, the position of commander-in-chief of the fleet in the Mediterranean passed to Sir [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]], who appointed Nelson to exercise independent command over the ships blockading the French coast as a [[Commodore (Royal Navy)|commodore]].<ref name="Sugden 594">Sugden 2004, p. 594</ref> Nelson spent the first half of the year conducting operations to frustrate French advances and bolster Britain's Italian allies. Despite some minor successes in intercepting small French warships—such as in the [[action of 31 May 1796]], when Nelson's squadron captured a convoy of seven small vessels—he began to feel the British presence on the Italian peninsula was rapidly becoming useless.<ref name="Sugden 603">Sugden 2004, p. 603</ref> In June, the ''Agamemnon'' was sent back to Britain for repairs, and Nelson was appointed to the 74-gun {{HMS|Captain|1787|6}}.<ref name="Sugden 603"/>

In the same month, the French thrust towards Leghorn and were certain to capture the city. Nelson hurried there to oversee the evacuation of British nationals and transport them to Corsica. After which, Jervis ordered him to blockade the newly captured French port.<ref name="Sugden 641">Sugden 2004, p. 641</ref> In July, he oversaw the occupation of [[Elba]], but by September, the Genoese had broken their neutrality to declare in favour of the French.<ref name="Sugden 647">Sugden 2004, p. 647</ref> By October, the Genoese position and continued French advances, led the British to decide that the Mediterranean fleet could no longer be supplied. They ordered it to be evacuated to Gibraltar. Nelson helped oversee the withdrawal from Corsica and, by December 1796, was aboard the frigate [[French frigate Minerve (1794)|HMS ''Minerve'']], covering the evacuation of the garrison at Elba. He then sailed for Gibraltar.<ref name="Sugden 683">Sugden 2004, p. 683</ref>

During the passage, Nelson [[Action of 19 December 1796|captured the Spanish frigate]] ''Santa Sabina'' and placed Lieutenants Jonathan Culverhouse and [[Sir Thomas Hardy, 1st Baronet|Thomas Hardy]] in charge of the captured vessel; taking the frigate's Spanish captain on board ''Minerve''. ''Santa Sabina'' was part of a larger Spanish force and, the following morning, two Spanish ships-of-the-line, and a frigate, were sighted closing fast. Unable to outrun them, Nelson was initially determined to fight, but Culverhouse and Hardy raised the British colours and sailed northeast, drawing the Spanish ships after them until being captured, giving Nelson the opportunity to escape.<ref name="Sugden 21-2">Sugden 2004, pp. 21–22</ref> Nelson went on to rendezvous with the British fleet at Elba, where he spent Christmas.<ref name="Sugden 685">Sugden 2004, p. 685</ref> He sailed for Gibraltar in late January, and—after learning that the Spanish fleet had sailed from [[Cartagena, Spain|Cartagena]]—stopped just long enough to collect Hardy, Culverhouse, and the rest of the prize crew captured with ''Santa Sabina'', before pressing on through the straits to join Sir John Jervis off [[Cadiz]].<ref name="Oman 1987 174">Oman 1987, p. 174</ref>

== Admiral, 1797–1801 ==

=== Battle of Cape St Vincent ===
{{Main|Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)}}

[[File:Surrender of the San Nicolas at St Vincent.jpg|thumb|right|Nelson receives the surrender of the ''San Nicholas'', an 1806 portrait by [[Richard Westall]]]]

Nelson joined Sir [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]]' fleet off [[Cape St Vincent]], and reported the Spanish movements.<ref name="Coleman 2001 126">Coleman 2001, p. 126</ref> Jervis decided to engage and the two fleets met on 14 February 1797. Nelson found himself towards the rear of the British line and realised that it would be a long time before he could bring ''Captain'' into action.<ref name="Coleman 2001 126"/> Instead of continuing to follow the line, Nelson disobeyed orders and [[jibe|wore ship]], breaking from the line and heading to engage the Spanish van—consisting of the 112-gun [[HMS San Josef (1797)|''San Josef'']], the 80-gun [[HMS San Nicolas (1797)|''San Nicolas'']], and the 130-gun [[Spanish ship Nuestra Señora de la Santísima Trinidad (1769)|''Santísima Trinidad'']]. ''Captain'' engaged all three, assisted by {{HMS|Culloden|1783|6}}, which had come to Nelson's aid.<ref name="Coleman 2001 128"/>

After an hour of exchanging broadsides, which left both ''Captain'' and ''Culloden'' badly damaged, Nelson found himself alongside ''San Nicolas''. He led a boarding party across, crying, "Westminster Abbey or glorious victory!" and forced her to surrender.<ref name="Coleman 2001 128">Coleman 2001, p. 128</ref> ''San Josef'' attempted to come to the ''San Nicolas''<nowiki/>' aid, but became entangled with her compatriot and was left immobile. Nelson led his party from the deck of ''San Nicolas'' onto ''San Josef'' and captured her as well.<ref name="Coleman 2001 126"/> As night fell, the Spanish fleet broke off and sailed for Cadiz. Four ships had surrendered to the British and two of them were Nelson's.<ref name="Coleman 2001 127">Coleman 2001, p. 127</ref>

Nelson was victorious, but had disobeyed direct orders. Jervis liked Nelson and so did not officially reprimand him,<ref name="Coleman 2001 127" /> but did not mention Nelson's actions in his official report of the battle.<ref name=StVincent>"Report of the battle from Jervis". {{London Gazette|issue=13987|date=3 March 1797|pages=211–213 }}</ref> He did write a private letter to [[First Lord of the Admiralty]], [[George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer|George Spencer]], in which he said that Nelson "contributed very much to the fortune of the day".<ref name="Coleman 2001 127"/> 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".<ref name="Coleman 2001 128"/>

Nelson's account was later challenged by Rear Admiral [[Sir William Parker, 1st Baronet, of Harburn|William Parker]], who had been aboard {{HMS|Prince George|1772|6}}. Parker claimed that Nelson had been supported by several more ships than he acknowledged, and that ''San Josef'' had already [[Striking the colors|struck her colours]] by the time Nelson boarded her.<ref name="Coleman 2001 120">Coleman 2001, p. 120</ref> Nelson's account of his role prevailed, and the victory was well received in Britain; Jervis was made [[Earl St Vincent]] and Nelson, on 17 May,<ref name=compeerage2>{{cite book|title=The Complete Peerage, Volume IX|year=1936|publisher=St Catherine Press|pages=462–463|editor1=H.A. Doubleday|editor2=Lord Howard de Walden}}</ref> was made a [[Order of the Bath|Knight of the Bath]].<ref name="Coleman 2001 130">Coleman 2001, p. 130</ref><ref name=KB>{{London Gazette|issue=14012|date=23 May 1797|page=474}}</ref> On 20 February, in a standard promotion according to his seniority and unrelated to the battle, Nelson was promoted to [[Admiral (United Kingdom)|Rear Admiral of the Blue]].<ref name="Coleman 2001 131">Coleman 2001, p. 131</ref>

=== Action off Cadiz ===
{{Main|Blockade of Cádiz (1797)}}

Nelson was given {{HMS|Theseus|1786|6}} as his [[flagship]], 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.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 118">Hibbert 1994, p. 118</ref> He carried out a bombardment, and personally led an amphibious assault, on 3 July. During the action, Nelson's 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 and—both times—his life was saved by a seaman named John Sykes, who took the blows himself and was badly wounded. The British raiding force captured the Spanish boat and towed her back to ''Theseus''.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 118"/><ref name=Cadiz>"Reports of the attack from Jervis and Nelson". {{London Gazette|issue=14032|date=1 August 1797|pages=716–717}}</ref> During this period, Nelson developed a scheme to capture [[Santa Cruz de Tenerife]], aiming to seize a large quantity of [[Bullion coin|specie]] from the treasure ship ''Principe de Asturias'', which was reported to have recently arrived.<ref name="Coleman 2001 133-4">Coleman 2001, pp. 133–134</ref>

=== Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife ===
{{Main|Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife (1797)}}

[[File:Sir Horatio Nelson when wounded at Teneriffe.jpg|thumb|right|Nelson wounded during the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife; 1806 painting by [[Richard Westall]]]]

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.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 121">Hibbert 1994, p. 121</ref> Nelson immediately ordered another assault, but this was beaten back. He prepared for a third attempt, to take place during the night. Although he personally led one of the battalions, the operation ended in failure, as the Spanish were better prepared than had been expected and had secured strong defensive positions.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 122">Hibbert 1994, p. 122</ref>

Several of the boats failed to land at the correct positions in the confusion, while 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, which fractured his [[humerus]] in multiple places.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 122"/> He was rowed back to ''Theseus'' to be attended to by its surgeon, Thomas Eshelby.<ref>"[http://www.aboutnelson.co.uk/health.htm]."</ref> Upon arriving at his ship, he refused to be helped aboard, declaring:

:"Let me alone! I have yet legs left and one arm. Tell the surgeon to make haste and get his instruments. I know I must lose my right arm and the sooner it is off, the better".<ref name="Hibbert 1994 122"/><ref>{{Cite book|last=Ellis|first=Harold|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QQzqQ-onN6gC|title=Operations that Made History|publisher=[[Greenwich Medical Media]]|year=1996|isbn=978-1900151153|location=London|page=88}}</ref>

Most of the right arm was amputated and, within half an hour, Nelson had returned to issuing orders to his captains.<ref name="Hibbert 1994 123">Hibbert 1994, p. 123</ref> Years later, he would excuse himself to Commodore [[John Thomas Duckworth]] for not writing longer letters due to not being naturally left-handed.<ref>p. 251, Nelson</ref> Later on, he developed the sensation of [[phantom limb]] in the area of his amputation and declared that he had "found the direct evidence of the existence of soul".<ref>''Neurology Clinics''. 1998; 16(4):919–935</ref>

Meanwhile, a force under [[Sir Thomas Troubridge, 1st Baronet|Sir Thomas Troubridge]] had fought their way to the main square but could go no further. Unable to return to the fleet because their boats had been sunk, Troubridge was forced to enter into negotiations with the Spanish commander, and the British were allowed to withdraw.<ref name="Bradford 2005 160">Bradford 2005, p. 160</ref> The expedition had failed to achieve any of its objectives and had left a quarter of the landing force dead or wounded.<ref name="Bradford 2005 160"/><ref name=Santa_Cruz>"Reports of the battle from Earl St Vincent and Nelson". {{London Gazette|issue=14041|date=2 September 1797|pages=835–836}}</ref>

The squadron remained off Tenerife for a further three days and, by 16 August, had rejoined Lord [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]]' fleet off Cadiz. Despondently, Nelson 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".<ref name="Bradford 2005 162">Bradford 2005, p. 162</ref>

He returned to England, aboard HMS ''Seahorse'', arriving at [[Spithead]] on 1 September. He was met with a hero's welcome; the British public had lionised Nelson after Cape St Vincent, and his wound earned him sympathy.<ref name="Bradford 2005 164">Bradford 2005, p. 164</ref> 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]], [[William Windham]], or even Prime Minister [[William Pitt the Younger|William Pitt]].<ref name="Bradford 2005 164" />

=== Return to England ===

Nelson returned to Bath with Fanny, before moving to London in October 1797, to seek expert medical attention concerning his amputation wound. While in London, news reached him that [[Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan of Camperdown|Admiral Duncan]] had defeated the [[Batavian Republic|Dutch]] fleet at the [[Battle of Camperdown]].<ref name="Bradford 2005 166">Bradford 2005, p. 166</ref> Nelson exclaimed that he would have given his other arm to have been present.<ref name="Bradford 2005 166"/> He spent the last months of 1797 recuperating in London, during which time, he was awarded the [[Freedom of the City of London]] and a pension of £1,000 ({{Inflation|UK|1000|1797|fmt=eq|r=-2|cursign=£}}) a year. He used this money to buy Round Wood Farm, near [[Ipswich]], and intended to retire there with Fanny.<ref name="Bradford 2005 167">Bradford 2005, p. 167</ref> Despite his plans, Nelson was never to live there.<ref name="Bradford 2005 167" />

Although surgeons had been unable to remove the central [[Ligature (medicine)|ligature]] from his amputation site, which had caused considerable inflammation and infection, it came out of its own accord in early December, and Nelson rapidly began to recover. Eager to return to sea, he began agitating for a command and was promised the 80-gun {{HMS|Foudroyant|1798|6}}. As she was not yet ready for sea, Nelson was instead given command of the 74-gun {{HMS|Vanguard|1787|6}}, to which he appointed [[Sir Edward Berry, 1st Baronet|Edward Berry]] as his [[flag captain]].<ref name="Bradford 2005 168">Bradford 2005, p. 168</ref>

French activities in the Mediterranean theatre were raising concern among the Admiralty as [[Napoleon]] was gathering forces in Southern France, but the destination of his army was unknown. Nelson, and the ''Vanguard'', were to be dispatched to Cadiz to reinforce the fleet. On 28 March 1798, Nelson hoisted his flag and sailed to join [[Earl St Vincent]]. St Vincent sent him on to Toulon with a small force to [[reconnoitre]] French activities.<ref name="Bradford 2005 172">Bradford 2005, p. 172</ref>

== The Mediterranean ==

=== Hunting the French ===
{{Main|Mediterranean campaign of 1798}}

Nelson passed through the Straits of Gibraltar, and took up position off Toulon, by 17 May, but his squadron was dispersed and blown southwards by a strong gale which struck the area, on 20 May.<ref name="Lavery 2003 65-6">Lavery 2003, pp. 65–66</ref> While the British were battling the storm, Napoleon had sailed with his invasion fleet under the command of [[Vice Admiral]] [[François-Paul Brueys d'Aigalliers]]. Nelson, having been reinforced with a number of ships from St Vincent, went in pursuit.<ref name="Lavery 2003 101">Lavery 2003, p. 101</ref>

Nelson began searching the Italian coast for Napoleon's fleet, but was hampered by a lack of frigates that could operate as fast scouts. Napoleon had already arrived at [[Malta]] and, after a show of force, secured the island's surrender.<ref name="Bradford 2005 176-7">Bradford 2005, pp. 176–177</ref> Nelson followed him there, but by the time he arrived, the French had already left. After a conference with his captains, he decided Napoleon's most likely destination now was Egypt and headed for Alexandria. However, upon Nelson's arrival, on 28 June, he found no sign of the French. Dismayed, he withdrew and began searching to the east of the port. During this time, on 1 July, Napoleon's fleet arrived in Alexandria and landed their forces unopposed.<ref name="Bradford 2005 188-9">Bradford 2005, pp. 188–189</ref> Brueys anchored his fleet in [[Aboukir Bay]], ready to support Napoleon, if required.<ref name="Bradford 2005 192">Bradford 2005, p. 192</ref>

Nelson, meanwhile, had crossed the Mediterranean again, in a fruitless attempt to locate the French, and returned to Naples to re-provision.<ref name="Bradford 2005 193-4">Bradford 2005, pp. 193–194</ref> When he again set sail, his intentions were to search the seas off [[Cyprus]], but he decided to pass Alexandria again for a final check. Along the way, his force found and captured a French merchant ship, which provided the first news of the French fleet: they had passed south-east of Crete a month prior—heading to Alexandria.<ref name="Bradford 2005 196">Bradford 2005, p. 196</ref> Nelson hurried to the port, but again found it empty of the French. Searching along the coast, he finally discovered the French fleet in Aboukir Bay, on 1 August 1798.<ref name="Oman 1987 252">Oman 1987, p. 252</ref>

=== The Battle of the Nile ===
{{Main|Battle of the Nile}}

[[File:Luny Thomas Battle Of The Nile August 1st 1798 At 10pm.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''[[Battle of the Nile]], 1 August 1798 at 10&nbsp;pm'', painting by [[Thomas Luny]], 1834]]

Nelson immediately prepared for battle, repeating a sentiment he had expressed at the battle of Cape St Vincent: "Before this time tomorrow, I shall have gained a peerage or Westminster Abbey."<ref name="Bradford 2005 198">Bradford 2005, p. 198</ref> It was late by the time the British arrived, and the French—having anchored in a strong position and possessing a combined firepower greater than that of Nelson's fleet—did not expect them to attack.<ref name="Bradford 2005 200">Bradford 2005, p. 200</ref> Nelson, however, immediately ordered his ships to advance. The French line was anchored close to a line of [[shoal]]s, in the belief that this would secure their [[port (nautical)|port]] side from attack; Brueys had assumed the British would follow convention and attack his centre from the [[starboard]] side. However, [[Thomas Foley (Royal Navy officer)|Captain Thomas Foley]], aboard {{HMS|Goliath|1781|6}}, discovered a gap between the shoals and the French ships, and took ''Goliath'' into this channel. The unprepared French found themselves attacked on both sides; the British fleet splitting, with some following Foley and others passing down the starboard side of the French line.<ref name="Bradford 2005 209">Bradford 2005, p. 203</ref>

The British fleet was soon heavily engaged, passing down the French line and engaging their ships one by one. Nelson, on ''Vanguard'', personally engaged [[HMS Spartiate (1798)|''Spartiate'']], while also coming under fire from [[French ship Aquilon (1789)|''Aquilon'']]. At about eight o'clock, he was with [[Edward Berry]] on the quarterdeck, when a piece of French shot struck him in the forehead. He fell to the deck, with a flap of torn skin obscuring his good eye. Blinded and half-stunned, he felt sure he would die and cried out, "I am killed. Remember me to my wife." He was taken below to be seen by the surgeon.<ref name="Bradford 2005 205">Bradford 2005, p. 205</ref> After examining Nelson, the surgeon pronounced the wound non-threatening and applied a temporary bandage.<ref name="Hibbert 142">Hibbert 1994, p. 142</ref>

The French van, pounded by British fire from both sides, had begun to surrender, and the victorious British ships continued to move down the line, bringing Brueys' 118-gun flagship [[French ship Orient (1791)|''Orient'']] under constant, heavy fire. ''Orient'' caught fire under this bombardment, and later exploded. Nelson briefly came on deck to direct the battle, but returned to the surgeon after watching the destruction of ''Orient''.<ref name=autogenerated1>Bradford 2005, p. 209</ref>

The Battle of the Nile was a major blow to Napoleon's ambitions in the east. The fleet had been destroyed; ''Orient'', another ship and two frigates had been burnt, while seven 74-gun ships and two 80-gun ships had been captured. Only two ships-of-the-line and two frigates escaped.<ref name=Nile>"Reports of the battle from Nelson". {{London Gazette |issue=15065|date=2 October 1798|pages=915–917}}</ref> The forces Napoleon had brought to Egypt were stranded.<ref name="Bradford 2005 209"/> Napoleon attacked north along the Mediterranean coast, but Turkish defenders supported by Captain Sir [[Sidney Smith (admiral)|Sidney Smith]] defeated his army at the [[Siege of Acre (1799)|Siege of Acre]]. Napoleon then left his army and sailed back to France, evading detection by British ships.

Given its strategic importance, historians such as [[Ernle Bradford]], regard Nelson's achievement at the Nile as the most significant of his career, even greater than that at Trafalgar, seven years later.<ref>Bradford 2005, p. 209. Bradford describes it as "the most complete victory ever recorded in naval history".</ref>

=== Rewards ===

[[File:Emma Hamilton by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun.jpg|thumb|[[Emma, Lady Hamilton|Lady Hamilton]] as either a bacchante or Ariadne, by [[Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun]], {{circa|1790}}; a painting owned by Nelson, which hung above his bed until his death]]

Nelson wrote dispatches to the Admiralty and oversaw temporary repairs to the ''Vanguard'' before sailing to Naples, where he was met with enthusiastic celebrations.<ref name="Hibbert 147">Hibbert 1994, p. 147</ref> [[Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies|King Ferdinand IV of Naples]], in company with the Hamiltons, greeted him in person when he arrived at port, and [[William Hamilton (diplomat)|Sir William Hamilton]] invited Nelson to stay at his home.<ref name="Hibbert 153">Hibbert 1994, p. 153</ref> Celebrations were held in honour of Nelson's birthday that September 1798, and he attended a banquet at the Hamiltons' house, where other officers had begun to notice his attentions to [[Emma, Lady Hamilton]].

[[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|Lord Jervis]] himself had begun to grow concerned about reports of Nelson's behaviour, but in early October, word of Nelson's victory had reached London and overshadowed the matter. The [[First Lord of the Admiralty]], [[George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer|George Spencer]], fainted upon hearing the news.<ref name="Hibbert 156">Hibbert 1994, p. 156</ref> Scenes of celebration erupted across the country; balls and victory feasts were held, and church bells were rung. The City of London awarded Nelson, and his captains, swords, while the King ordered they be presented with special medals. Emperor [[Paul I of Russia]] sent Nelson a gift, and [[Sultan]] [[Selim III]] of the [[Ottoman Empire]] awarded Nelson the [[Order of the Crescent|Order of the Turkish Crescent]], as well as the diamond ''[[chelengk]]'' from his own turban,<ref name=":2" /> for Nelson's role in restoring Ottoman rule to Egypt.

[[Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood|Samuel Hood]], after a conversation with the [[Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger|Prime Minister]], told Nelson's wife, Fanny, that her husband would likely be given a [[viscount]]cy, similarly to Jervis' [[earl]]dom after [[Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)|Cape St Vincent]], and [[Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan|Adam Duncan]]'s viscountcy after [[Battle of Camperdown|Camperdown]].<ref name="Hibbert 159">Hibbert 1994, p. 159</ref> Lord Spencer, however, demurred, arguing that as Nelson had only been detached in command of a squadron—rather than being the commander in chief of the fleet—such an award would create an unwelcome precedent. Instead, Nelson received the title of [[Baron Nelson]] of the Nile.<ref name="Baron">{{London Gazette|issue=15067|date=6 October 1798|page=931}}</ref><ref name="Hibbert 160">Hibbert 1994, p. 160</ref>

=== Neapolitan campaign ===
[[File:CastelloDiManiace Bronte Sicily By JW Walrond 1876 RoyalCollection.jpg|thumb|300px|''Castello di Maniace'', [[caput]] of the [[Dukedom of Bronte]], situated 5 miles north of the town of Bronte. Viewed from north across the dried up river bed of the River Saraceno, with [[Mount Etna]] in the background (the main crater of which is 15 km to the south-east). Painted in 1876 by [[Sir John Walrond, 1st Baronet]] (1818–1889), son-in-law of the 3rd Duchess of Bronte. Royal Collection]]
Nelson was dismayed by Lord [[George Spencer, 2nd Earl Spencer|Spencer]]'s decision, and declared that he would rather have received no title than that of a mere [[baron]]y.<ref name="Hibbert 160"/> He was, however, cheered by the attention showered on him by the citizens of Naples, the prestige accorded him by the kingdom's elite, and the comforts he received at the Hamiltons' residence. He made frequent visits to their residence to attend functions in his honour, or tour nearby attractions with Emma, who was almost constantly at his side and with whom, by now, he had fallen deeply in love.<ref name="Hibbert 162">Hibbert 1994, p. 162</ref>

Orders arrived from the Admiralty to blockade the French forces in Alexandria and Malta, a task Nelson delegated to his captains, [[Sir Samuel Hood, 1st Baronet|Samuel Hood]] and [[Alexander Ball]]. Despite enjoying his lifestyle in Naples—even while judging it to be a "country of fiddlers and poets, whores and scoundrels", which he found less than desirable<ref name=":2">{{Cite ODNB|last=Rodger|first=N. A. M.|date=23 September 2004|title=Nelson, Horatio, Viscount Nelson (1758–1805), naval officer|url=https://www.oxforddnb.com/view/10.1093/ref:odnb/9780198614128.001.0001/odnb-9780198614128-e-19877|volume=21|doi=10.1093/ref:odnb/19877|isbn=978-0-19-861412-8|access-date=27 August 2021|via=[[Oxford University Press]]}}</ref>—Nelson began to think of returning to England.<ref name="Hibbert 162"/> However, King [[Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies|Ferdinand IV]], had just faced an extended period of pressure from his wife, [[Maria Carolina of Austria]], who was advocating for an aggressive foreign policy towards France; a country which, five years earlier, had beheaded her sister, and its queen, [[Marie Antoinette]].<ref name=":2" /> Sir [[William Hamilton (diplomat)|William Hamilton]] was joined in agreement with Queen Maria Carolina, and the King finally agreed to declare war on France.<ref name="Hibbert 165"/>

The [[Neapolitan Army (Napoleonic)|Neapolitan Army]], led by the Austrian [[Karl Mack von Leiberich|General Mack]], and supported by Nelson's fleet, retook Rome from the French in late November 1798. The French regrouped outside Rome and after being reinforced, routed the Neapolitans. In disarray, the Neapolitan army fled back to Naples, with the pursuing French close behind.<ref name="Hibbert 165">Hibbert 1994, p. 165</ref> Nelson hastily organised the evacuation of the Royal Family, several nobles, and British nationals—including the Hamiltons. The evacuation got underway on 23 December and sailed through heavy gales before reaching the safety of [[Palermo]], on 26 December.<ref name="Hibbert 170">Hibbert 1994, p. 170</ref>

With the departure of the Royal Family, Naples descended into anarchy, and news reached Palermo, in January, that the French had entered the city under General [[Jean Étienne Championnet|Championnet]] and proclaimed the [[Parthenopaean Republic]].<ref name="Hibbert 178">Hibbert 1994, p. 178</ref> Nelson was promoted to [[Rear-Admiral of the Red]] on 14 February 1799,<ref name=RARed>{{London Gazette|issue=15107|date=16 February 1799|pages=146–147}}</ref> and was occupied for several months in blockading Naples, while a popular counter-revolutionary force, under [[Fabrizio Ruffo|Cardinal Ruffo]], known as the [[Sanfedismo|''Sanfedisti'']], marched to retake the city. In late June, Ruffo's army entered Naples, forcing the French and their supporters to withdraw to the city's fortifications, as rioting and looting broke out amongst the ill-disciplined Neapolitan troops.<ref name="Hibbert 181">Hibbert 1994, p. 181</ref>

Dismayed by the bloodshed, Ruffo agreed to a [[Capitulation (surrender)|capitulation]] with the Jacobin forces, which allowed them safe conduct to France. Nelson arrived off Naples on 24 June, to find the treaty put into effect. His subsequent role is still controversial.<ref name="North">{{cite book |last1=North |first1=Jonathan |title=Nelson at Naples |date=2018 |publisher=Amberley |location=Stroud |isbn=978-1445679372 |page=304}}</ref> Nelson, aboard ''Foudroyant'', was outraged, and backed by King Ferdinand IV, he insisted that the rebels must surrender unconditionally.<ref name="Hibbert 184">Hibbert 1994, p. 184</ref> They refused. Nelson appears to have relented and the Jacobin forces marched out to the awaiting transports. Nelson then had the transports seized.<ref name="North"/>

He took those who had surrendered under the treaty under armed guard, as well as the former Admiral [[Francesco Caracciolo (naval officer)|Francesco Caracciolo]], who had commanded the Neapolitan navy, under King Ferdinand IV, but had changed sides during the brief Jacobin rule.<ref name="Hibbert 186">Hibbert 1994, p. 186</ref> Nelson ordered his trial by [[court-martial]] and refused Caracciolo's request that it be held by British officers. Caracciolo was also not allowed to summon witnesses in his defence and was tried by royalist Neapolitan officers. He was sentenced to death. Caracciolo requested to be shot rather than hanged, but Nelson, following the wishes of Queen Maria Carolina, a close friend of [[Lady Hamilton]], also denied this request, and even ignored the court's request to allow 24&nbsp;hours for Caracciolo to prepare himself. Caracciolo was hanged aboard the Neapolitan frigate ''Minerva'' at 5 o'clock the same afternoon.<ref name="Hibbert 187">Hibbert 1994, p. 187</ref>

Nelson kept the bulk of the Jacobins on the transports and began to hand hundreds over for trial and execution, refusing to intervene, despite pleas for [[clemency]] from both the Hamiltons and Queen Maria Carolina.<ref name="Hibbert 190">Hibbert 1994, p. 190</ref> When the transports were finally allowed to carry the Jacobins to France, less than one-third were still alive.<ref name="Hibbert 193">Hibbert 1994, p. 193</ref> On 13 August 1799, in reward for his support of the monarchy,<ref name="Hibbert 194">Hibbert 1994, p. 194</ref> King Ferdinand IV gave Nelson the newly created title [[Duke of Bronte]], in the peerage of the [[Kingdom of Sicily]], as his perpetual property, as well as the estate of the former [[Benedictine abbey]] of Santa Maria di Maniace—which he later transformed into the ''[[Castello di Maniace|Castello di Nelson]]''—situated between the [[comune]]s of [[Bronte, Sicily|Bronte]] and [[Maniace]], later known as the ''Duchy of Nelson''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.icastelli.it/it/sicilia/catania/maniace/castello-di-nelson|title=Castello Di Nelson &#124; Sicilia &#124; Maniace|website=icastelli.it}}</ref>

In 1799, Nelson opposed the mistreatment of slaves held in Portuguese galleys off Palermo and intervened to secure their release. Nelson petitioned the Portuguese commander Marquiz de Niza:
:"As a friend, as an English admiral—as a favour to me, as a favour to my country—that you will give me the Slaves".
The marquis acquiesced to the unusual request, allowing twenty-four slaves to be transferred to [[HMS Bonne Citoyenne (1796)|HMS ''Bonne Citoyenne'']]; their blessings to Nelson ringing out across the harbour, as their names were added to the sloop's already crowded muster book.<ref name="Downer, Martyn 2017, p.77"/><ref name="Nicolas p. 231"/>
[[File:Battle of the Malta Convoy, HMS Success attacks Généreux on 18 February 1800.jpg|thumb|The Battle of the Malta convoy]]

===Siege of Malta===
{{further|Siege of Malta (1798–1800)}}
Nelson returned to Palermo in August, and in September, became the senior officer in the Mediterranean, after Lord [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]]' successor, [[George Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith]], left to chase the French and Spanish fleets into the Atlantic.<ref name="Hibbert 197">Hibbert 1994, p. 197</ref> Nelson spent most of 1799 at the Neapolitan court, but put to sea again in February 1800, after Lord Keith's return. Keith ordered Nelson to assist in the [[Siege of Malta (1798–1800)|siege of Malta]]—of which the Royal Navy was conducting a tight blockade. On 18 February, [[French ship Généreux (1785)|''Généreux'']]—a survivor of the Battle of the Nile—was sighted and Nelson gave chase, capturing her after [[Battle of the Malta Convoy (1800)|a short battle]], and winning Keith's approval.<ref name="Hibbert 203">Hibbert 1994, p. 203</ref>  Nelson and the Hamiltons sailed aboard the ''Foudroyant'' from Naples, on a brief cruise around [[Malta]], in April 1800 and anchored at [[Marsaxlokk|Marsa Sirocco]]. Here Nelson and Emma lived together openly, and were hosted by [[Sir Thomas Troubridge, 1st Baronet|Thomas Troubridge]] and [[Thomas Graham, 1st Baron Lynedoch|Thomas Graham]].<ref name="EB250">Bradford, p. 250</ref> It was during this time that Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton's illegitimate daughter, [[Horatia Nelson]], was likely conceived.<ref name="Hibbert 207">Hibbert 1994, p. 207</ref>

Nelson had a difficult relationship with his superior officer; he was gaining a reputation for insubordination, having initially refused to send ships when Keith requested them, and on occasion, returning to Palermo without orders, pleading poor health.<ref name="Hibbert 204">Hibbert 1994, p. 204</ref> Keith's reports, and rumours of Nelson's close relationship with Emma Hamilton, were now circulating around London, and Lord Spencer wrote a pointed letter suggesting that he return home: <blockquote>You will be more likely to recover your health and strength in England than in any inactive situation at a foreign Court, however pleasing the respect and gratitude shown to you for your services may be.<ref name="Hibbert 205">Hibbert 1994, p. 205</ref></blockquote>

=== Return to England ===
[[File:Johann Heinrich Schmidt - Emma, Lady Hamilton.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Emma, Lady Hamilton|Emma Hamilton]] in an 1800 portrait owned by Nelson]]

[[File:Horatia Ward née Nelson.jpg|thumb|upright|An antique photograph of a portrait of [[Horatia Nelson|Horatia Ward]] (née Nelson) from the Style/Ward Family collection; Horatia was the daughter of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton.]]

The recall of Sir William Hamilton to Britain was a further incentive for Nelson to return. In June Nelson left Malta and conveyed Queen [[Maria Carolina of Austria|Maria Carolina]], and her suite, to [[Leghorn (city)|Leghorn]]. Upon his arrival, Nelson shifted his flag to {{HMS|Alexander|1778|6}}, but again disobeyed Lord [[George Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith|Keith]]'s orders by refusing to join the main fleet. Keith travelled to Leghorn to demand, in person, an explanation, and refused to be moved by the Queen's pleas to allow her to be conveyed in a British ship.<ref name="Hibbert 211">Hibbert 1994, p. 211</ref> In the face of Keith's demands, Nelson reluctantly [[struck his flag]] and bowed to Lady Hamilton's request to return to England over land.<ref name="Hibbert 212">Hibbert 1994, p. 212</ref>

Nelson, the Hamiltons, and several other British travellers, left Leghorn for [[Florence]], on 13 July. They made stops at [[Trieste]] and [[Vienna]], spending three weeks in the latter, where they were entertained by the local nobility and heard the ''[[Missa in Angustiis]]'' by [[Joseph Haydn|Haydn]], which now bears Nelson's name. Haydn would meet them that August when they visited Eisenstaedt.<ref name="Hibbert 216">Hibbert 1994, p. 216</ref>  By September, they were in [[Prague]], and later called at [[Dresden]], [[Dessau]] and [[Hamburg]]; from there, they caught a packet ship to [[Great Yarmouth]], arriving on 6 November.<ref name="Hibbert 224">Hibbert 1994, p. 224</ref> Nelson was given a hero's welcome, and after being sworn in as a freeman of the borough, received the amassed crowd's applause. He then made his way to London, arriving on 9 November.<ref name="Hibbert 230"/>

He attended court and was guest of honour at a number of banquets and balls. During this period, [[Fanny Nelson]] and Lady Emma Hamilton met for the first time; Nelson was reported as being cold and distant to his wife, while his attentions to Lady Hamilton and her obesity became the subject of gossip.<ref name="Hibbert 230">Hibbert 1994, p. 230</ref> With the marriage breaking down, Nelson began to hate even being in the same room as Fanny. Events came to a head around Christmas, when according to Nelson's solicitor, Fanny issued an ultimatum on whether he was to choose her or Lady Hamilton. Nelson replied: <blockquote>I love you sincerely but I cannot forget my obligations to Lady Hamilton or speak of her otherwise than with affection and admiration.<ref name="Hibbert 235">Hibbert 1994, p. 235</ref></blockquote> The two never lived together again.<ref name="Hibbert 235"/>

== The Baltic ==

Shortly after his arrival in England, Nelson was appointed to be second-in-command of the [[Channel Fleet]], under Lord [[John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent|John Jervis]].<ref name="Hibbert 237">Hibbert 1994, p. 237</ref> He was promoted to [[Vice-Admiral of the Blue]] on 1 January 1801,<ref name=VABlue>{{London Gazette|issue=15324|date=30 December 1800 |pages=8–9}}</ref> and travelled to [[Plymouth]], where on 22 January, he was granted the [[freedom of the city]]. On 29 January 1801, Lady [[Emma Hamilton]] gave birth to their daughter, [[Horatia Nelson|Horatia]].<ref name="Hibbert 242">Hibbert 1994, p. 242</ref> Nelson was delighted, but subsequently disappointed, when he was instructed to move his flag from {{HMS|San Josef}} to {{HMS|St George|1785|6}}, in preparation for a planned expedition to the Baltic.<ref name="Hibbert 246">Hibbert 1994, p. 246</ref>

Tired of British ships imposing a blockade against French trade and stopping and searching their merchantmen, the Russian, Prussian, Danish and Swedish governments had formed an alliance to break the blockade. Nelson joined Admiral Sir [[Hyde Parker (Royal Navy officer, born 1739)|Hyde Parker]]'s fleet at Yarmouth, from where they sailed for the Danish coast in March. On their arrival, Parker was inclined to blockade Denmark and control the entrance to the Baltic, but Nelson urged a pre-emptive attack on the Danish fleet in the harbour of [[Copenhagen]].<ref name="Hibbert 254">Hibbert 1994, p. 254</ref> He convinced Parker to allow him to make an assault and was given significant reinforcements. Parker himself would wait in the [[Kattegat]], covering Nelson's fleet in case of the arrival of the Swedish or Russian fleets.<ref name="Hibbert 256">Hibbert 1994, p. 256</ref>

=== Battle of Copenhagen ===
{{Main|Battle of Copenhagen (1801)}}

[[File:Nicholas Pocock - The Battle of Copenhagen, 2 April 1801.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''The Battle of Copenhagen, 2 April 1801'', by [[Nicholas Pocock]] ([[National Maritime Museum]], Greenwich, London). Nelson's fleet exchanges fire with the Danes, with the city of Copenhagen in the background]]

[[File:Battle of Copenhagen Commemorative Glass.jpg|thumb|This glass was one of a set commissioned by Lord Nelson to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Copenhagen]]

On the morning of 2 April 1801, Nelson began to advance into Copenhagen harbour. The battle began badly for the British, with HMS ''Agamemnon'', {{HMS|Bellona|1760|2}} and {{HMS|Russell|1764|2}} running aground, and the rest of the fleet encountering heavier fire from the Danish shore batteries than had been anticipated. Sir [[Hyde Parker (Royal Navy officer, born 1739)|Hyde Parker]] sent the signal for Nelson to withdraw, reasoning:<blockquote>I will make the signal for recall for Nelson's sake. If he is in a condition to continue the action he will disregard it; if he is not, it will be an excuse for his retreat and no blame can be attached to him.<ref name="Hibbert 260">Hibbert 1994, p. 260</ref></blockquote> Nelson, directing action aboard {{HMS|Elephant|1786|6}}, was informed of the signal by the signal lieutenant, Frederick Langford, but angrily responded: "I told you to look out on the Danish commodore and let me know when he surrendered. Keep your eyes fixed on him."<ref name="Hibbert 261">Hibbert 1994, p. 261</ref> He then turned to his flag captain, [[Thomas Foley (Royal Navy officer)|Thomas Foley]], and said "You know, Foley, I have only one eye. I have a right to be blind sometimes." He raised the telescope to his blind eye, and said "I really do not see the signal."{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Biographer, [[Roger J. B. Knight|Roger Knight]], disputes the veracity of this story, calling it a "myth".{{sfn|Knight|2005|p=497}}}}<ref name="Hibbert 261"/><ref>Pocock 1987, p. 237</ref>

The battle lasted three hours, leaving both Danish and British fleets heavily damaged. At length, Nelson dispatched a letter to the Danish commander, [[Frederick VI of Denmark|Crown Prince Frederick]], calling for a truce, which the Prince accepted.<ref name="Hibbert 263">Hibbert 1994, p. 263</ref> Parker approved of Nelson's actions in retrospect, and Nelson was given the honour of going into Copenhagen the next day to open formal negotiations.<ref name="Hibbert 264">Hibbert 1994, p. 264</ref><ref name=Copenhagen>"Report of the battle from Nelson". {{London Gazette|issue=15354|date=19 April 1801 |pages=402–404}}</ref> At a banquet that evening, he told Prince Frederick that the battle had been the most severe he had ever participated in.<ref name="Hibbert 265">Hibbert 1994, p. 265</ref> The outcome of the battle—and several weeks of ensuing negotiations—was a fourteen-week armistice, with Nelson becoming commander-in-chief in the [[Baltic Sea]], upon Parker's recall in May.<ref name="Hibbert 268">Hibbert 1994, p. 268</ref>

As a reward for the victory, he was created [[Viscount Nelson of the Nile]] and of [[Burnham Thorpe]] in the County of Norfolk, on 19 May 1801.<ref name=Viscount>{{London Gazette|issue=15366|date=19 May 1801|page=549}}</ref> In addition, on 4 August 1801, he was created Baron Nelson of the Nile and of [[Hilborough]] in the County of Norfolk, with a special remainder to his father and sisters.<ref name=BaronNile>{{London Gazette|issue=15393|date=4 August 1801|page=948}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.peerages.info/peeragesr.htm#18010818 |title=List of Peerages|author=David Beamish|access-date=2 June 2011}}</ref> Nelson sailed to the Russian naval base at [[Tallinn|Reval]] in May, and there learnt that the pact of armed neutrality was to be disbanded. Satisfied with the outcome of the expedition, he returned to England, arriving on 1 July.<ref name="Hibbert 272">Hibbert 1994, p. 272</ref>

== Leave in England, 1801–1803 ==
In France, Napoleon was amassing forces to [[Napoleon's invasion of England|invade Great Britain]]. After a brief spell in London, where he again visited the Hamiltons, Nelson was placed in charge of defending the [[English Channel]] to prevent the invasion.<ref name="Hibbert 279">Hibbert 1994, p. 279</ref> He spent the summer of 1801 [[Reconnoitering|reconnoitring]] the French coast, but apart from [[Raid on Boulogne (1801)|a failed attack]] on [[Boulogne-sur-Mer|Boulogne]] in August, saw little action.<ref name="Hibbert 281">Hibbert 1994, p. 281</ref> On 1 October, the [[Peace of amiens|Peace of Amiens]] was signed between the British and the French,<ref name=":2" /> and Nelson—in poor health again—retired once more to Britain, where he stayed with Sir [[William Hamilton (diplomat)|William]] and [[Lady Hamilton]]. On 30 October, Nelson spoke in support of the [[Henry Addington, 1st Viscount Sidmouth|Addington]] government in the House of Lords, and afterwards, made regular visits to attend sessions.<ref name="Hibbert 298">Hibbert 1994, p. 298</ref>

=== Grand tour ===
In the summer of 1802, Nelson, and the Hamiltons, embarked on a tour of England and Wales,<ref name=":2" /> visiting [[Oxford]] (Star Inn), [[Woodstock, Oxfordshire]] 4th Duke of Marlborough – Blenheim Palace, [[Gloucester]], Forest of Dean, [[Ross-on-Wye]], then by river to [[Monmouth]], [[Abergavenny]], [[Brecon]], [[Carmarthen]], [[Milford Haven]] (New Inn), [[Tenby]], [[Swansea]], Carmarthen, [[Merthyr Tydfil]] (Star Inn) visited Cyfartha Ironworks to see the place were the 104 guns had been made for his flagship, [[HMS Victory]], Ffos y Gerddinen coaching inn, now both village and inn renamed [[Nelson, Caerphilly]], [[Monmouth]] (Beaufort Arms), [[Hereford]], [[Ludlow]], [[Worcester, England|Worcester]] (Hop Pole Inn), [[Birmingham]] (Styles hotel), [[Warwick]], [[Althorp]] (Lord Spencer) and returning to Merton Place Sunday 5 September,<ref>Hibbert, Christopher, ''Nelson A Personal History'', Viking, 1994 {{ISBN|0-6708-4342-3}}</ref> passing through numerous other towns and villages along the way. Nelson often found himself received as a hero, (except at Woodstock) and was the centre of celebrations and events held in his honour.<ref name="Hibbert 281" />

In September, Lady Hamilton purchased [[Merton Place]], a country estate in [[Merton, London (parish)|Merton]], [[Surrey]] (now within the borders of south-west London) for Nelson, where he lived with the Hamiltons until William's death, on 6 April 1803.<ref name="Coleman 298">Coleman 2001, p. 298</ref><ref name=":2" /> The following month, war broke out once again, and Nelson prepared to return to sea.<ref name="Hibbert 323">Hibbert 1994, p. 323</ref>

===Witness at the treason trial of Edward Despard===

In January 1803, Nelson appeared as a [[character witness]] in the treason trial of a former comrade in arms, Colonel [[Edward Despard]]. Despard, who had been moving in radical circles in London—a member both of the [[London Corresponding Society]] and the [[Society of United Irishmen|United Irishmen]]—was the alleged ringleader of a conspiracy to assassinate [[King George III]] and seize the [[Tower of London]]; the so-called [[Despard Plot]]. In court, Nelson recollected his service with Despard in the Caribbean, during the American War:

:"We went on the [[Spanish Main]] together; we slept many nights together in our clothes upon the ground; we have measured the height of the enemies walls together. In all that period of time, no man could have shewn more zealous attachment to his Sovereign and his Country".

Under cross-examination, however, Nelson had to concede to having "lost sight of Despard for the last twenty years".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gurney |first1=William Brodie |last2=Gurney |first2=Joseph |title=The Trial of Edward Marcus Despard, Esquire: For High Treason, at the Session House, Newington, Surrey, On Monday the Seventh of February, 1803 |date=1803 |publisher=M Gurney |location=London |page=176}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Agnew |first1=David |title=Protestant exiles from France, chiefly in the reign of Louis XIV; or, The Huguenot refugees and their descendants in Great Britain and Ireland. Volume 1 |chapter=Book First – Chapter 10 – Section VIII |date=1886 |publisher=For Private Circulation |page=204 |edition=Third |url=https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Protestant_Exiles_from_France/Book_First_-_Chapter_10_-_Section_VIII |access-date=11 November 2020}}</ref>

Nelson directed a further plea for clemency to Prime Minister [[Henry Addington]], who was later to tell Nelson that "he and his family had sat up after supper, weeping over the letter".<ref name="Jay">{{cite book |last1=Jay |first1=Mike |title=The Unfortunate Colonel Despard|date=2004 |publisher=Bantam Press |location=London |isbn=0-5930-5195-5|page=301}}</ref>  Following Despard's execution in February, Lady [[Fanny Nelson]] is reported to have taken the Colonel's Jamaican wife, [[Catherine Despard]], under her "protection".<ref>{{cite book |last1=Gillis |first1=Bernadette |title=A Caribbean Coupling Beyond Black and White: The Interracial Marriage of Catherine and Edward Marcus Despard and its Implications for British Views on Race, Class, and Gender during the Age of Reform |date=August 2014 |publisher=Graduate School of Duke University|location=Durham, North Carolina |pages=51–52|url=https://dukespace.lib.duke.edu/dspace/bitstream/handle/10161/9234/Gillis%20Final%20Project_FINAL_08_11_2014_Exemplary%20Title%20%282%29.pdf?sequence=3&isAllowed=y |access-date=12 November 2020}}</ref>

==Return to sea, 1803==
{{Main|Trafalgar Campaign}}

Nelson was appointed commander-in-chief of the [[Mediterranean Fleet]] and given the [[first-rate]] {{HMS|Victory}} as his flagship. He joined her at [[Portsmouth]], where he received orders to sail to Malta and take command of a squadron there, before joining the blockade of [[Toulon]].<ref name="Hibbert 326">Hibbert 1994, p. 326</ref> Nelson arrived off Toulon in July 1803, and spent the next year and a half enforcing the blockade. He was promoted to [[Vice-admiral of the White|Vice-Admiral of the White]] while still at sea, on 23 April 1804.<ref name=VAWhite>{{London Gazette|issue=15695|date=23 April 1804|page=495}}</ref> In January 1805, the French fleet, under the command of Admiral [[Pierre-Charles Villeneuve]], escaped Toulon and eluded the blockading British. Nelson set off in pursuit, but after searching the eastern Mediterranean, learnt the French had been blown back into Toulon.<ref name="Hibbert 336">Hibbert 1994, p. 336</ref> Villeneuve managed to break out a second time in April, and this time, succeeded in passing through the Strait of Gibraltar, and into the Atlantic—bound for the West Indies.<ref name="Hibbert 336"/>

[[File:Battle of Cape Finisterre.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|''Admiral Sir Robert Calder's action off Cape Finisterre, 23 July 1805'', by [[William Anderson (artist)|William Anderson]] ([[National Maritime Museum]], Greenwich)]]

Nelson gave chase, but after arriving in the Caribbean, spent June in a fruitless search for the fleet. Villeneuve had briefly cruised around the islands, before heading back to Europe, in [[contravention]] of Napoleon's orders.<ref name="Hibbert 337">Hibbert 1994, p. 337</ref> The returning French fleet was intercepted by a British fleet, under Sir [[Robert Calder]], and engaged in the [[Battle of Cape Finisterre (1805)|Battle of Cape Finisterre]], but managed to reach [[Ferrol, Spain|Ferrol]] with only minor losses.<ref name="Hibbert 338">Hibbert 1994, p. 338</ref> Nelson returned to Gibraltar at the end of July, and travelled from there to England, dismayed at his failure to bring the French to battle and expecting to be censured.<ref name="Hibbert 339">Hibbert 1994, p. 339</ref>

To his surprise, he was given a rapturous reception from crowds who had gathered to view his arrival. Senior British officials congratulated him for sustaining the close pursuit, crediting him with saving the West Indies from a French invasion.<ref name="Hibbert 339"/> Nelson briefly stayed in London, where he was cheered wherever he went, before visiting [[Merton Place]] to see [[Emma, Lady Hamilton|Lady Hamilton]], arriving in late August. He entertained a number of his friends and relations there over the coming month, and began plans for a grand engagement with the enemy fleet, one that would surprise his foes by forcing a [[pell-mell]] battle on them.<ref name="Hibbert 350">Hibbert 1994, p. 350</ref>

Captain [[Henry Blackwood]] arrived at Merton early on 2 September, bringing news that the French and Spanish fleets had combined and were currently at anchor in [[Cádiz]]. Nelson hurried to London, where he met with cabinet ministers and was given command of the fleet blockading Cádiz. It was while awaiting one of these meetings, on 24 September, with [[Lord Castlereagh]], the [[Secretary of State for War and the Colonies]], that Nelson and Major General [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Arthur Wellesley]]—the future [[Duke of Wellington (title)|Duke of Wellington]]—met briefly in a waiting area. Wellington was waiting to be debriefed on his Indian operations, and Nelson on his chase and future plans.<ref name="Hibbert 351">Hibbert 1994, p. 351</ref> Wellington later recalled, "[Nelson] entered at once into conversation with me, if I can call it conversation, for it was almost all on his side and all about himself and, in reality, a style so vain and so silly as to surprise and almost disgust me".<ref name="Hibbert 351"/> After a few minutes, Nelson left the room, but having then been informed who his companion had been, returned and entered into a more earnest and intelligent discussion with the young Wellesley. This lasted for a quarter of an hour, and encompassed topics such as the war, the state of the colonies, and the geopolitical situation. On this second discussion, Wellesley recalled, "I don't know that I ever had a conversation that interested me more". This was the only meeting between the two men.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Knight|first=Roger|title=The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson|publisher=[[Basic Books]]|year=2005|isbn=978-0465037643|page=497}}</ref>

Nelson returned briefly to Merton to set his affairs in order, and bid farewell to Emma, before travelling back to London and then on to Portsmouth; arriving there early on the morning of 14 September. He breakfasted at the George Inn with his friends [[George Rose (Treasurer of the Navy)|George Rose]], the [[Vice-President of the Board of Trade]], and [[George Canning]], the [[Treasurer of the Navy]]. During the breakfast, word spread of Nelson's presence at the inn and a large crowd of well-wishers gathered. They accompanied Nelson to his barge and cheered him off, which Nelson acknowledged by raising his hat. He was recorded as having turned to his colleague and stated: "I had their huzzas before; I have their hearts now."<ref name="Sir Nicholas Harris 35">Nicolas, ''The Despatches and Letters of Lord Nelson'', Vol, VII p. 35 idem p. 36</ref><ref name="Tom Pocock 316">Tom Pocock, ''Horatio Nelson'' p. 316</ref><ref name="Hibbert 356">Hibbert 1994, p. 356</ref> [[Robert Southey]] reported on the onlookers for Nelson's walk to the dock: "Many were in tears and many knelt down before him and blessed him as he passed."<ref name="Southey 296">Southey 1922, ''The Life of Nelson'', (1922 edition) p. 296</ref>

''Victory'' joined the British fleet off Cádiz, on 27 September, and Nelson took over from Vice Admiral [[Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood|Cuthbert Collingwood]].<ref name="Hibbert 362">Hibbert 1994, p. 362</ref> Nelson spent the following weeks preparing and refining his tactics for the anticipated battle, and dining with his captains to ensure they understood his intentions.<ref name="Hibbert 360">Hibbert 1994, p. 360</ref> He had devised a plan of attack that anticipated the allied fleet would form up in a traditional [[line of battle]]. Drawing on his own experience from the Nile and Copenhagen, and the examples of [[Adam Duncan, 1st Viscount Duncan|Duncan]] at [[Battle of Camperdown|Camperdown]] and [[George Brydges Rodney, 1st Baron Rodney|Rodney]] at the [[Battle of the Saintes|Saintes]], Nelson decided to split his fleet into squadrons rather than forming it into a similar line parallel to the enemy.<ref name="Adkin411">Adkin 2007, p. 411</ref> These squadrons would then cut the enemy's line in a number of places, allowing a pell-mell battle to develop. The British ships could overwhelm and destroy parts of their opponents' formation, before unengaged enemy ships could come to their aid.<ref name="Adkin411"/>

== Battle of Trafalgar, 1805 ==
{{Main|Battle of Trafalgar}}

=== Preparation ===

The combined French and Spanish fleet under Villeneuve's command numbered thirty-three ships of the line. Napoleon had intended for Villeneuve to sail into the English Channel and cover a planned invasion of Britain. However, the entry of Austria and Russia into the war forced Napoleon to call off this invasion, and transfer troops to Germany. Villeneuve had been reluctant to risk engagement with the British and this reluctance led Napoleon to send Vice-Admiral [[François Étienne de Rosily-Mesros|François Rosily]] to [[Cádiz]], in order to take command of the fleet. Rosily was then to sail it into the Mediterranean and land troops at Naples, before making port at [[Toulon]].<ref name="Hibbert 362"/> Villeneuve decided to sail the fleet out before his successor could arrive.<ref name="Hibbert 362"/> On 20 October 1805, the fleet was sighted making its way out of harbour, by patrolling British frigates, and Nelson was informed that they appeared to be heading to the west.<ref name="Hibbert 363">Hibbert 1994, p. 363</ref>

[[File:Turner, The Battle of Trafalgar (1822).jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|[[The Battle of Trafalgar (painting)|''The Battle of Trafalgar'']] by [[J.&nbsp;M.&nbsp;W. Turner]] (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) shows the last three letters of the signal, "[[England expects that every man will do his duty]]" flying from [[HMS Victory|''Victory'']]]]

At four o'clock in the morning of 21 October, Nelson ordered the ''Victory'' to turn towards the approaching enemy fleet, and signalled the rest of his force to battle stations. He then went below and made out his will, before returning to the quarterdeck to carry out an inspection.<ref name="Hibbert 365">Hibbert 1994, p. 365</ref> Despite having twenty-seven ships to Villeneuve's thirty-three, Nelson was confident of success, declaring that he would not be satisfied with taking fewer than twenty prizes.<ref name="Hibbert 365"/> He returned briefly to his cabin to write a final prayer, after which he joined ''Victory'''s signal lieutenant, [[John Pasco]]. <blockquote>Mr Pasco, I wish to say to the fleet "England confides that every man will do his duty". You must be quick, for I have one more signal to make, which is for close action.<ref name="Hibbert 366">Hibbert 1994, p. 366</ref></blockquote> Pasco suggested changing ''confides'' to ''expects'' which, being in the [[Naval flag signalling#History|Signal Book]], could be signalled by the use of a single code (three flags), whereas ''confides'' would have to be spelt out letter by letter. Nelson agreed, and [[England expects that every man will do his duty|the signal was hoisted]].<ref name="Hibbert 366"/>

As the fleets converged, ''Victory'''s Captain [[Sir Thomas Hardy, 1st Baronet|Thomas Hardy]], suggested that Nelson remove the decorations on his coat, so that he would not be so easily identified by enemy sharpshooters. Nelson replied that it was too late "to be shifting a coat", adding that they were "military orders and he did not fear to show them to the enemy".{{refn|group=lower-alpha|Historian, [[Nicholas A. M. Rodger]], disputes this claim, calling it a "myth" and saying that "[Nelson] was wearing an old uniform coat with inconspicuous cloth replicas of his decorations. There is no evidence that he deliberately sought or recklessly courted death, though he was certainly well enough aware of the risks of action".{{sfn|Rodger|2004}}}}<ref name="Hibbert 368">Hibbert 1994, p. 368</ref> Captain [[Henry Blackwood]], of the frigate {{HMS|Euryalus|1803|6}}, suggested Nelson come aboard his ship to better observe the battle. Nelson refused, and also turned down Hardy's suggestion to let Admiral Sir [[Eliab Harvey]]'s {{HMS|Temeraire|1798|6}} come ahead of ''Victory'' and lead the line into battle.<ref name="Hibbert 368"/>

=== Battle is joined ===

''Victory'' came under fire, initially passing wide, but then with greater accuracy as the distances decreased. A cannonball struck and killed Nelson's secretary, [[John Scott (Royal Navy officer)|John Scott]], nearly cutting him in two. [[Sir Thomas Hardy, 1st Baronet|Hardy]]'s clerk then took over, but he too, was almost immediately killed. ''Victory''{{'}}s wheel was shot away; another cannonball cut down eight marines. Standing next to Nelson on the quarterdeck, Hardy's shoe buckle was suddenly dented by a splinter. Nelson observed, "This is too warm work to last long."<ref name="Hibbert 370">Hibbert 1994, p. 370</ref>

''Victory'' had, by now, reached the enemy line and Hardy asked Nelson which ship to engage first. Nelson told him to take his pick, whereupon Hardy moved ''Victory'' across the stern of the 80-gun French flagship, ''[[French ship Bucentaure (1803)|Bucentaure]]''.<ref name="Hibbert 370"/> ''Victory'' then came under fire from the 74-gun ''[[French ship Redoutable (1795)|Redoutable]]'', which was lying off ''Bucentaure''{{'}}s stern, as well as the 130-gun ''Santísima Trinidad''. As sharpshooters from the enemy ships fired onto ''Victory''{{'}}s deck from their rigging, Nelson and Hardy continued directing and giving orders.<ref name="Hibbert 370"/>

=== Wounding and death ===

[[File:Fall of Nelson.jpg|thumb|Nelson is shot on the [[quarterdeck]], painted by [[Denis Dighton]], {{Circa|1825}}]]

At a quarter-past one in the afternoon,<ref name=":2" /> Hardy realised that Nelson was not by his side. He turned to see Nelson kneeling on the deck, supporting himself with his hand, before falling onto his side. Hardy rushed to him, at which point, Nelson smiled: <blockquote>Hardy, I do believe they have done it at last .... my backbone is shot through.<ref name="Hibbert 370"/></blockquote>

He had been hit by a musket ball, fired from the [[Mizzen topgallant mast|mizzen-top]] of ''Redoutable'', at a range of 50&nbsp;feet (15&nbsp;m). The ball entered his left shoulder, passed through a lung,<ref name=":2" /> then his spine at the sixth and seventh [[thoracic vertebrae]], and lodged two inches (5&nbsp;cm) below his right shoulder blade, in the muscles of his back. Nelson was carried below to the cockpit, by sergeant major of marines Robert Adair, and two seamen. As he was being carried down, he asked them to pause while he gave advice to a midshipman on the handling of the tiller.<ref name="Hibbert 371">Hibbert 1994, p. 371</ref> He then draped a handkerchief over his face to avoid causing alarm amongst the crew. He was taken to ship surgeon [[William Beatty (surgeon)|William Beatty]], telling him: <blockquote>You can do nothing for me. I have but a short time to live. My back is shot through.<ref name="Hibbert 372">Hibbert 1994, p. 372</ref></blockquote> Nelson was made comfortable, fanned, and brought lemonade and watered wine to drink, after he complained of feeling hot and thirsty. He asked several times to see Hardy, who was on deck supervising the battle, and asked Beatty to remember him to Emma, his daughter, and his friends.<ref name="Hibbert 372"/>

Hardy came belowdecks to see Nelson, just after half-past two, and informed him that a number of enemy ships had surrendered. Nelson told him that he was sure to die, and begged him to pass his possessions on to Emma.<ref name="Hibbert 376">Hibbert 1994, p. 376</ref> Those with Nelson, at this point, were the chaplain [[Alexander John Scott|Alexander Scott]], the purser [[Walter Burke (Purser)|Walter Burke]], Nelson's steward, Chevalier, and Beatty. Nelson, fearing that a gale was blowing up, instructed Hardy to be sure to anchor. After reminding him to "take care of poor Lady Hamilton", Nelson said: "Kiss me, Hardy".<ref name="Hibbert 376"/> Beatty recorded that Hardy knelt and kissed Nelson on the cheek. He then stood for a minute or two, before kissing Nelson on the forehead. Nelson asked, "Who is that?" On hearing that it was Hardy, he replied, "God bless you, Hardy."<ref name="Hibbert 376"/>

By now very weak, Nelson continued to murmur instructions to Burke and Scott, "fan, fan&nbsp;... rub, rub&nbsp;... drink, drink." Beatty had heard Nelson murmur, "Thank God I have done my duty", and when he returned, Nelson's voice had faded and his pulse was very weak.<ref name="Hibbert 376"/> Nelson looked up, as Beatty took his pulse, then closed his eyes. Scott, who remained by Nelson as he died, recorded his last words as, "God and my country".<ref name="Hayward 63">Hayward 2003, p. 63</ref> Nelson died at half-past four in the afternoon, three hours after he had been shot.<ref name="Hibbert 376"/>  He was 47 years old.

[[File:Daniel Maclise - The Death of Nelson - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|center|800px|''The Death of Nelson'' by [[Daniel Maclise]] (Houses of Parliament, London)]]

== Return to England ==

Nelson's body was placed in a cask of [[brandy]] mixed with [[camphor]] and [[myrrh]], which was then lashed to the ''Victory''{{'}}s mainmast and placed under guard.<ref name="Hibbert 378">Hibbert 1994, p. 378</ref> This was a controversial decision, with the public later believing it would have been better for him to have been put in [[rum]] instead to better preserve him.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Stott |first=Romie |date=2016-02-19 |title=The Scandalous Decision to Pickle Admiral Horatio Nelson in Brandy |url=http://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-scandalous-decision-to-pickle-admiral-horatio-nelson-in-brandy |access-date=2023-12-13 |website=Atlas Obscura |language=en}}</ref> ''Victory'' was towed to Gibraltar after the battle, and, on arrival, the body was transferred to a lead-lined coffin filled with [[spirits of wine]] and his effects, uniforms and papers sent separately.<ref name="Hibbert 378"/> Collingwood's dispatches about the battle were carried to England aboard {{HMS|Pickle|1800|6}}, and when the news arrived in London, a messenger was sent to Merton Place to bring the news of Nelson's death to Emma Hamilton. She later recalled, <blockquote>They brought me word, Mr Whitby from the Admiralty. "Show him in directly", I said. He came in, and with a pale countenance and faint voice, said, "We have gained a great Victory." – "Never mind your Victory", I said. "My letters—give me my letters" – Captain Whitby was unable to speak—tears in his eyes and a deathly paleness over his face made me comprehend him. I believe I gave a scream and fell back, and for ten hours I could neither speak nor shed a tear.<ref name="Hibbert 379">Hibbert 1994, p. 379</ref></blockquote>

King [[George III]], on receiving the news, is alleged to have said, in tears, "We have lost more than we have gained."<ref name="Hibbert 381">Hibbert 1994, p. 381</ref> ''[[The Times]]'' reported: <blockquote>We do not know whether we should mourn or rejoice. The country has gained the most splendid and decisive Victory that has ever graced the naval annals of England; but it has been dearly purchased.<ref name="Hibbert 381"/></blockquote>

== Funeral ==
{{main|State funeral of Horatio Nelson}}
[[File:Nelson's Last Voyage.jpg|thumb|Print of the royal barge carrying Nelson's body]]

[[File:Nelson State Funeral.jpg|thumb|Nelson's coffin in the crossing of St Paul's, during the funeral service; the dome hung with captured French and Spanish flags]]

[[File:Tomb of Horatio Nelson on Saint-Paul Cathedral.jpg|thumb|The sarcophagus of Nelson in the crypt of St Paul's]]

Nelson's body was unloaded from the ''Victory'' at the [[Nore]]. It was conveyed upriver, in Commander Sir [[Sir George Grey, 1st Baronet|George Grey]]'s yacht ''Chatham'', to [[Greenwich]] and placed inside a lead coffin. The lead coffin was then placed inside a wooden one, made from the mast of ''[[French ship Orient (1791)|L'Orient]]'', which had been salvaged after the [[Battle of the Nile]].

He lay in state for three days in the [[Greenwich Hospital, London#History|Painted Hall]] of [[Greenwich Hospital, London|Greenwich Hospital]], where the surrounding arrangements all but disintegrated, under the crush of crowds far greater than authorities had anticipated.<ref name=":2" /> His body was then taken upriver, aboard a barge originally used as [[State Barge of Charles II|King Charles II's state barge]]; accompanied by Lord [[Samuel Hood, 1st Viscount Hood|Samuel Hood]], chief mourner Sir [[Sir Peter Parker, 1st Baronet|Peter Parker]], and the [[George IV of the United Kingdom|Prince of Wales]].<ref name="Hibbert 392">Hibbert 1994, p. 382</ref> The Prince of Wales, at first, announced his intention of attending the funeral as chief mourner. However, he ultimately attended in a private capacity, along with his brothers, when his father, King [[George III]], reminded him that it was against protocol for the heir to the throne to attend the funerals of anyone except members of the royal family.<ref>Hibbert, Christopher ''Nelson: A Personal History'' (1994) p. 382</ref>

On 8 January 1806, the coffin was taken into the [[Admiralty House (London)|Admiralty]] for the night, attended by Nelson's chaplain, Alexander Scott.<ref name="Hibbert 392" /> The following day, 9 January, a funeral procession consisting of 32 admirals, over a hundred captains, and an escort of 10,000 soldiers took the coffin from the Admiralty to [[St Paul's Cathedral]].<ref>"Memorials of St Paul's Cathedral" [[William Sinclair (Archdeacon of London)|Sinclair, W.]] p. 453: London; Chapman & Hall, Ltd; 1909.</ref> After a four-hour service, he was interred within a crypt, in a [[sarcophagus]] originally carved for [[Thomas Wolsey|Cardinal Wolsey]];<ref name="Hibbert 394">Hibbert 1994, p. 394</ref> the sarcophagus and its base had been previously taken over for the tomb of [[Henry VIII]], which was never completed.<ref>{{cite book |date=1894 |title=The Archaeological Journal, Volume 51|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=P05aAAAAYAAJ&q=Lord+Nelson+tomb+based+from+Henry+VIII&pg=PA160-IA9|page=160}}</ref> The sailors charged with folding the flag, which they were to then place on Nelson's coffin after it had been lowered through the floor of the [[nave]], instead tore it into fragments, each taking a piece as a memorial of their fallen commander.<ref name="Lambert 316">Lambert 2005, p. 316</ref><ref name=":2" />

== Assessment ==
[[File:Apotheosis of Nelson.jpg|right|thumb|[[Pierre-Nicolas Legrand de Lérant]]'s ''Apotheosis of Nelson'', {{Circa|1805–18}}. Nelson ascends into immortality as the Battle of Trafalgar rages in the background. He is supported by [[Neptune (mythology)|Neptune]], while [[Pheme|Fame]] holds a crown of stars as a symbol of immortality over Nelson's head. A grieving [[Britannia]] holds out her arms, while [[Hercules]], [[Mars (mythology)|Mars]], [[Minerva]] and [[Jupiter (mythology)|Jupiter]] look on.]]

Nelson was regarded as a highly effective leader, and someone who was able to sympathise with the needs of his men. He based his command on love, rather than authority, inspiring both his superiors and his subordinates with his considerable courage, commitment and charisma—dubbed "[[The Nelson Touch|the Nelson touch]]".<ref name="Lambert107-8"/><ref name="LambertXVII">Lambert 2004, xvii</ref> Nelson combined this talent with an adept grasp of strategy and politics, making him a highly successful naval commander. [[Tōgō Heihachirō|Admiral Togo]], himself often called "the Nelson of the East", placed Nelson as among the greatest naval commanders in history—second only to [[Yi Sun-sin|Admiral Yi Sun-sin]].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Hawley|first=Samuel|title=The Imjin War: Japan's Sixteenth-Century Invasion of Korea and Attempt to Conquer Chin|publisher=Conquistador Press|year=2005|isbn=978-8995442425|page=490}}</ref> The memorandum Nelson wrote before Trafalgar expresses his attitude well: "No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item106127.html|title=Nelson's Trafalgar Memorandum|website=www.bl.uk}}</ref>

Nelson's personality was complex, often characterised by a desire to be noticed—both by his superiors and the public. He was easily flattered by praise, and dismayed when he felt he was not given sufficient credit for his actions.<ref name="Lambert44">Lambert 2004, p. 44</ref> This led him to take risks, and to enthusiastically publicise his resultant successes,<ref name="Lambert64">Lambert 2004, p. 64</ref> which was not always considered acceptable at the time.<ref>Warner, Oliver. (1976). ''Command at sea: great fighting admirals from Hawke to Nimitz''. New York: St. Martin's Press. p. 110. [https://archive.org/details/commandatseagrea00warn Internet Archive website] Retrieved 19 July 2019.</ref> Nelson was also highly confident in his abilities, determined and able to make important decisions.<ref name="Lambert52-3">Lambert 2004, pp. 52–53</ref> His active career meant that he was considerably experienced in combat and was a shrewd judge of his opponents, able to identify and exploit his enemies' weaknesses.<ref name="Lambert107-8">Lambert 2004, pp. 107–108</ref>

He was often prone to insecurities, however, as well as violent mood swings,<ref name="Lambert4">Lambert 2004, p. 4</ref> and was extremely vain; he loved to receive decorations and tributes.<ref name="Lambert151">Lambert 2004, p. 151</ref> Despite his personality, he remained a highly professional leader and was driven all his life by a strong sense of duty.<ref name="Lambert4"/> Nelson's fame reached new heights after his death, and he came to be regarded as one of Britain's greatest military heroes, ranked alongside the [[John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough|Duke of Marlborough]] and [[Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington|Duke of Wellington]].<ref>Lee 2005, pp. 3–4</ref> In the [[BBC]]'s ''[[100 Greatest Britons]]'' programme in 2002, Nelson was voted the ninth greatest Briton of all time.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/2509465.stm|title= Churchill voted greatest Briton|publisher= bbc.co.uk|date= 24 November 2002}}</ref>

Aspects of Nelson's life and career were controversial, both during his lifetime and after his death. His affair with [[Emma, Lady Hamilton|Emma Hamilton]] was widely remarked upon, and disapproved of, to the extent that Emma was denied permission to attend his funeral. She and their daughter, [[Horatia Nelson|Horatia]], were also subsequently ignored by the government, which awarded Nelson's money and titles only to legitimate family.<ref name="Oman571-2">Oman 1987, pp. 571–572</ref> Nelson's actions during the reoccupation of Naples have also been the subject of debate. His approval of the wave of reprisals against the Jacobins, who had surrendered under the terms agreed by [[Cardinal Ruffo]], as well as his personal intervention in securing the execution of [[Francesco Caracciolo (naval officer)|Francesco Caracciolo]], are considered by some biographers, such as [[Robert Southey]], to have been a shameful breach of honour. A prominent contemporary, politician [[Charles James Fox]], was among those who attacked Nelson for his actions at Naples, declaring in the House of Commons: <blockquote>I wish that the atrocities of which we hear so much and which I abhor as much as any man, were indeed unexampled. I fear that they do not belong exclusively to the French&nbsp;– Naples for instance has been what is called "delivered", and yet, if I am rightly informed, it has been stained and polluted by murders so ferocious, and by cruelties of every kind so abhorrent, that the heart shudders at the recital&nbsp;... [The besieged rebels] demanded that a British officer should be brought forward, and to him they capitulated. They made terms with him under the sanction of the British name. Before they sailed their property was confiscated, numbers were thrown into dungeons, and some of them, I understand, notwithstanding the British guarantee, were actually executed.<ref name="Coleman228">Coleman 2001, p. 228</ref></blockquote> Other pro-republican writers produced books and pamphlets decrying the events in Naples as atrocities.<ref name="Lambert365-6">Lambert 2004, pp. 365–366</ref> Later assessments, including one by [[Andrew Lambert]], have stressed that the armistice had not been authorised by the [[King Ferdinand IV of Naples|King of Naples]], and that the retribution meted out by the Neapolitans was not unusual for the time. Lambert also suggests that Nelson, in fact, acted to put an end to the bloodshed; using his ships and men to restore order in the city.<ref name="Lambert365-6"/>

=== Legacy ===
{{Main|Legacy of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson|Monuments and memorials to Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson}}
{{see also|List of places named after Horatio Nelson|HMS Lord Nelson|HMS Nelson}}
[[File:Nelson's Column, Trafalgar Sq, London - Sep 2006.jpg|thumb|right|upright|[[Nelson's Column]] in [[Trafalgar Square]], London]]

Nelson's influence continued long after his death, and saw periodic revivals of interest, especially during times of crisis in Britain. In the 1860s, [[Poet Laureate]] [[Alfred Tennyson, 1st Baron Tennyson|Alfred Tennyson]] appealed to the image and tradition of Nelson, in order to oppose the defence cuts being made by Prime Minister [[William Ewart Gladstone]].<ref name="Lambert340">Lambert 2004, p. 340</ref> [[First Sea Lord]] [[John Fisher, 1st Baron Fisher|Jackie Fisher]] was a keen exponent of Nelson during the early years of the twentieth century, and often emphasised his legacy during his period of naval reform.<ref name="Lambert346">Lambert 2004, p. 346</ref> [[Winston Churchill]] also found Nelson to be a source of inspiration during the [[Second World War]].<ref name="Lambert354">Lambert 2004, p. 354</ref>

Nelson has been frequently depicted in art and literature; appearing in paintings by [[Benjamin West]] and [[Arthur William Devis]], and in books and biographies by [[John McArthur (Royal Navy officer)|John McArthur]], [[James Stanier Clarke]] and [[Robert Southey]].<ref name="Lambert323">Lambert 2004, p. 323</ref> Nelson is also celebrated and commemorated in numerous songs, written both during his life and following his death. Nelson's victory in the [[Battle of the Nile]] is commemorated in "The Battle of the Nile: a favourite patriotic song".<ref>Fielding, J. W. "The Battle of the Nile: a Favorite Patriotic Song." New York: Printed & sold at J. Hewitt's Musical Repository, No. 59 Maiden Lane, 1804.</ref> [[Thomas Attwood (composer)|Thomas Attwood]]'s "Nelson's Tomb: A Favourite Song" commemorates Nelson's death in the Battle of Trafalgar.<ref>Attwood, Thomas and Thomas Cory "Nelson's Tomb: A Favourite Song, Sung by Mr. Incledon" London: Printed & sold by Goulding & Company. 117 New Bond St. & Westmorland St. Dublin.</ref> In 1797, the famous composer [[Haydn]] wrote a [[Missa in Angustiis|mass]] to commemorate Nelson's stunning defeat over Napoleon and the French.  In 1800, Nelson visited [[Eisenstadt]] for four days and most certainly saw Haydn's new mass and in response he met and  gave the elderly Haydn a watch he wore during the battle.

The city of [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]] in [[New Zealand]] is named after him.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of Nelson, New Zealand |url=https://nelson.co.nz/history-of-nelson-new-zealand/ |website=Nelsonweb |date=6 October 2011 |access-date=22 January 2023}}</ref>

A number of monuments and memorials were constructed across the country, and abroad, to honour his memory and achievements. [[Dublin]]'s monument to Nelson, [[Nelson's Pillar]], completed in 1809, was destroyed by [[Irish republicans]] in 1966.<ref name="Lambert327">Lambert 2004, p. 327</ref> In [[Montreal]], a statue was started in 1808 and completed in 1809.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.victorianweb.org/authors/dickens/montreal/7.html |title=The Nelson Monument in Montreal (1808) |access-date=7 October 2014}}</ref> In Great Yarmouth, on the coast in his home county of Norfolk, the [[Britannia Monument]] (aka the Norfolk Naval Pillar) to Nelson was erected in 1819, with dedications at the base to his four main naval victories. Others followed around the world, with London's [[Trafalgar Square]] being created in his memory in 1835 and the centrepiece, [[Nelson's Column]], finished in 1843.<ref name="Lambert328">Lambert 2004, p. 328</ref> A [[Royal Society of Arts]] [[blue plaque]] was unveiled in 1876, to commemorate Nelson, at 147 [[New Bond Street]].<ref name='EngHet'>{{cite web |url=http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/discover/blue-plaques/search/nelson-horatio-lord-nelson-1758-1805-39 |title=Nelson, Horatio, Lord Nelson (1758–1805) |publisher=English Heritage |access-date=23 October 2012}}</ref> The architect of the [[Britannia Royal Naval College]], [[Dartmouth, Devon|Dartmouth]], Sir [[Aston Webb]] placed a window high in the chapel such that annually, on 21 October at the time of Nelson's death, the light from it falls on the statue of Christ behind the altar.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-england-devon-59004320 |title=Battle of Trafalgar: Once-a-year light on Nelson's death |publisher=BBC News Devon |date=22 October 2021 |type=with video }}</ref>

Nelson and his monuments are seen more critically in countries that felt the negative aspects of colonialism, and who may seek to revise their public history. Major public memorials in primary locations in some cities have been subject to [[List of monuments and memorials removed during the George Floyd protests|protest and removal]] as conscious acts. In 1966, the Nelson Pillar in Dublin was blown up by Irish Republicans: a novelty folk song, "[[Up Went Nelson]]", topped the Irish pop charts in the wake of the explosion, while a newspaper article marking the 55th anniversary noted: "For many, the biggest surprise about the blowing up of Nelson's Pillar...is why it took 157 years. The resentment had run deep. Almost fifty years after the 1916 Rising an Englishman still towered over every other notable in the city, many groused."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishcentral.com/roots/history/Nelsons-Pillar-and-the-fate-of-Nelsons-head-.html|title=On This Day: Nelson's Pillar in Dublin was blown up in 1966|date=8 March 2023|website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref>  Across the Atlantic, in the Caribbean in 2020, after years of campaigning, the [[Statue of Lord Nelson, Bridgetown|Nelson Statue]] in National Heroes Square, Bridgetown, Barbados, was removed and placed in a museum. It had stood since 1813, in a central public space of the capital known until 1999 as Trafalgar Square. The Barbadian Prime Minister [[Mia Mottley]] said at the ceremony marking the statue's removal:

<blockquote>National Heroes Square must reflect our heroes. And ... while we accept that the statue of the vice admiral Lord Horatio Nelson is an important historic relic, it is not a relic to be placed in the National Heroes Square of a nation that has had to fight for too long to shape its destiny and to forge a positive future for its citizens.<ref>[https://www.voice-online.co.uk/news/world-news/2020/11/17/barbados-removes-nelson-statue-from-heroes-square/ "Barbados removes Nelson statue from National Heroes Square"].</ref></blockquote>

== Titles ==

Nelson's titles, as inscribed on his coffin and read out at the funeral by the [[Garter King at Arms]], [[Isaac Heard|Sir Isaac Heard]], were: <blockquote>The Most Noble Lord Horatio Nelson, Viscount and Baron Nelson, of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, Baron Nelson of the Nile and of Hilborough in the said County, Knight of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, Vice Admiral of the White Squadron of the Fleet, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Ships and Vessels in the Mediterranean, Duke of Bronte in the Kingdom of Sicily, [[Order of Saint Ferdinand and of Merit|Knight Grand Cross of the Sicilian Order of St Ferdinand and of Merit]], [[Order of the Crescent|Member of the Ottoman Order of the Crescent]], [[Order of Saint Joachim|Knight Grand Commander of the Order of Saint Joachim]].<ref name="Naval Chronicle233">{{cite book |title=The Naval Chronicle|page=233}}</ref></blockquote>

Nelson received large [[Naval Gold Medal]]s for the battles of St Vincent, the Nile and, posthumously, Trafalgar, one of very few recipients of three such medals.<ref>Joslin, Litherland and Simpkin, pp. 40, 41, 46</ref> Nelson was granted a royal licence in 1802 to receive and wear the foreign [[Order of Saint Joachim]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Page 745 {{!}} Issue 15497, 13 July 1802 {{!}} London Gazette {{!}} The Gazette |url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/15497/page/745 |access-date=30 July 2022 |website=www.thegazette.co.uk}}</ref>

Following his victory at the [[Battle of Cape St Vincent (1797)]], On 27 September 1797, he was knighted and received the [[Order of the Bath]].
He was a [[Colonel of Marines]] from 1795 to 1797<ref name=compeerage2/> and voted a [[Freedom of the City|Freeman]] of the cities and boroughs of [[City of London|London]] (10 March 1797), [[Bath, Somerset|Bath]], [[Salisbury]], [[Exeter]] (15 January 1801),<ref>{{cite web |title=Admiral Nelson is given the Freedom of the City |url=http://www.exetermemories.co.uk/em/_events/nelsons_freedom.php |website=Exeter Memories |access-date=17 October 2021}}</ref> [[Plymouth]], [[Monmouth]], [[Sandwich, Kent|Sandwich]], [[Oxford]] (22 July 1802),<ref>{{cite web |title=Freedom of the City |url=https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20002/your_council/334/freedom_of_the_city |website=Oxford City Council |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=31 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref> [[Hereford]], [[Haverfordwest]] (in 1802)<ref name="Wales Online 13 March 2013">{{cite news |title=Town finds lost Nelson scroll – in its safe |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/town-finds-lost-nelson-scroll-2435735 |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=[[Wales Online]] |date=31 March 2013}}</ref><ref name="BBC News 22 June 2010">{{cite news |title=House where Nelson given Haverfordwest honour for sale |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10376442 |access-date=28 March 2020 |work=[[BBC News]] |date=22 June 2010}}</ref> and [[Worcester, England|Worcester]] (30 August 1802).<ref name="Memoirs96">Pettigrew 1849, p. 96</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Worcester City Freemen |url=https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/downloads/file/647/worcester_city_freemen |website=Worcestershire County Council |date=31 August 2022 |access-date=31 August 2022 |language=en}}</ref> The [[University of Oxford]], in full Congregation, bestowed the honorary degree of [[Doctor of Civil Law]] upon Nelson on 30 July 1802.<ref name="Lambert237">Lambert 2004, p. 237</ref><ref name=compeerage2/>

In 1799, Nelson was created [[Dukedom of Bronte|Duke of Bronte]] (Italian: ''Duca di Bronte''), of the [[Kingdom of Sicily]] (after 1816, existing in the nobility of the [[Kingdom of the Two Sicilies]]), by King [[Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies|Ferdinand III of Sicily]], and after briefly experimenting with the signature "Brontë Nelson of the Nile", he signed himself "Nelson & Brontë" for the rest of his life.<ref name="Coleman 353">Coleman 2001, p. 353</ref> Nelson had no legitimate children; his daughter, Horatia, married the Reverend Philip Ward, with whom she had ten children before her death in 1881.<ref name="Oman571">Oman 1987, p. 571</ref>

Since Nelson died without legitimate issue, his viscountcy and his barony created in 1798, both "of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk", became extinct upon his death.<ref name="Haydn550">Haydn 1851, p. 550</ref> However, the barony created in 1801, "of the Nile and of Hilborough in the County of Norfolk", passed by a special remainder, which included Nelson's father and sisters and their male issue, to [[William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson|William Nelson]], who was Nelson's older brother. In November 1805, William Nelson was created [[Earl Nelson]] and [[Viscount Merton]], of Trafalgar and of Merton in the County of Surrey, in recognition of his late brother's services, and he also inherited the dukedom of Bronte.<ref name="Lambert312">Lambert 2004, p. 312</ref>

=== Armorial bearings ===

[[File:Vice Admiral Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson Coat of Arms.gif|thumb|upright|Contemporary drawing of Nelson's [[heraldic achievement]] before the Battle of Trafalgar.<ref name="The Heraldry Society"/>]]

[[Coat of arms|Arms]] were granted and confirmed on 20 October 1797. Nelson's paternal arms (''Or, a [[cross flory]] sable over all a bendlet gules'') were [[Augmentation of honour|augmented]] to honour his naval victories. After the Battle of Cape St Vincent (14 February 1797), Nelson was created a [[Knight of the Bath]] and was granted [[Supporters (heraldry)|heraldic supporters]] (appropriate for peers) of a [[sailor]] and a [[lion]].<ref name="Adkin550">Adkin 2007, p. 550</ref>

In honour of the Battle of the Nile in 1798, the Crown granted him an augmentation of honour [[blazon]]ed ''On a chief wavy argent a palm tree between a disabled ship and a ruinous battery all issuant from waves of the sea all proper'' (deemed a notorious example of [[debased heraldry]]),<ref name="heraldry-13"/> the [[Latin]] motto ''Palmam qui meruit ferat'' ("let him who has earned it bear the palm"), and added to his supporters a palm branch in the hand of the sailor and in the paw of the lion, and a "tri-colored flag and staff in the mouth of the latter".<ref>{{cite book |last=Harrison |first=James |date=2007 |orig-year=1806 |title=The Life of the Right Honourable Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson |volume=1 |publisher=BiblioBazaar, LLC |isbn=978-1434606631 |page=266}}</ref>

After Nelson's death, his elder brother and heir William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson, was granted a further augmentation: ''On a fess wavy overall azure the word [[Battle of Trafalgar|TRAFALGAR]] or''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Foster |first=Joseph |year=1882 |title=The Peerage, Baronetage and Knightage, of the British Empire for 1882; with the Orders of Knighthood |url=https://archive.org/details/peeragebaronetag02fost |publisher=Nichols and Sons |place=Westminster |page=[https://archive.org/details/peeragebaronetag02fost/page/494 494]}}</ref> This additional augmentation was not used by those who succeeded him in the earldom, including the present Earl Nelson.<ref name="Montague-Smith 1968 p822">Montague-Smith, P.W. (ed.), ''Debrett's Peerage, Baronetage, Knightage and Companionage'', Kelly's Directories Ltd, Kingston-upon-Thames, 1968, p. 822, "Earl Nelson".</ref>

The [[Garter King of Arms]] wrote the following explanation of the arms to Nelson's wife:

:''In the Chief of the Arms a Palm Tree (emblematic of Victory) between a disabled Ship and a ruinous Battery, form striking memorials of the glorious event of 1 August (1798), in the Bay of Aboukir, near the Mouth of the Nile. In the Crest, the Chelengk (a more minute description of which I had the pleasure of delivering to your Ladyship) is an indication of the distinctions rendered to his Lordship's merits by the Grand Signior; and the Naval Crown may bear a striking allusion to his Lordship's victory in those Seas, where the Corona Navalis was first conferred by the Romans on persons who had eminently distinguished themselves in Naval combats. The Palm Branch in the hand of the Sailor, and in the paw of the Lion, is a continuation of the emblem in the Chief of the Arms, as well as allusive to the Motto, "Palmam qui meruit ferat" ("let he who earns the palm bear it"). The tri-coloured Flag of the subdued Enemy was added to, and involved with, the Colours in the mouth of the Lion, which had been granted to his Lordship in commemoration of his distinguished gallantry and services, on 14 February 1797. With regard to your Ladyship's question—whether Lord Nelson is, in consequence of the Royal Warrant, precluded from the use of his Crest of the San Josef (a ship he won in battle from the Spaniards), I have no hesitation in giving my decided opinion, that he may bear it, with his new Crest, at his own pleasure''.{{Citation needed|date=August 2021}}

The herald [[Wilfrid Scott-Giles]] (d. 1982) wrote a jocular verse describing the successive augmentations to the Nelson arms, ending with the line "But where, alas! is Nelson's ancient cross?"<ref>Full text see file description in [[:File:AugmentedArms Admiral HoratioNelson.svg]]</ref>

<gallery>
File:Arms of the house of Nelson (ancient).svg|Original coat of arms of the house of Nelson
File:Arms of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (1797).svg|Coat of arms after 1797
File:Arms of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson.svg|Coat of arms used after the Battle of the Nile. An example of [[debased heraldry]].<ref name="heraldry-13">[[George Thomas Clark]] (1809–1898), article on [[heraldry]] in the [[Encyclopaedia Britannica]] (9th & 10th editions)[https://www.1902encyclopedia.com/H/HER/heraldry-13.html]</ref>
File:Arms of William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson.svg|Coat of arms used by William Nelson
</gallery>

== See also ==
* [[Bibliography of 18th–19th century Royal Naval history]]
* [[Nelson hold]] – grappling hold sometimes attributed to Nelson's tactics
* [[Turning a blind eye]] – pertaining to Nelson's use of a telescope to ''not'' see a signal

== Notes ==

{{reflist|group=lower-alpha}}

== References ==

{{Reflist|20em|refs=
<ref name="The Heraldry Society">{{cite web |url=http://www.theheraldrysociety.com/articles/famous_men_women/horatio_viscount_nelson.htm |title=Horatio Viscount Nelson |author=The Heraldry Society |date=2 April 2015 |publisher=The Heraldry Society |access-date=2 April 2015}}</ref>
}}

== Bibliography ==

{{Refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book|last=Adkin|first=Mark|title=The Trafalgar Companion: A Guide to History's Most Famous Sea Battle and the Life of Admiral Lord Nelson|location=London|publisher=Aurum Press|year=2007|isbn=978-1845130183|url=https://archive.org/details/trafalgarcompani0000adki}}
* {{Cite book|last = Bradford|first = Ernle|title = Nelson: The Essential Hero|author-link=Ernle Bradford|publisher = Wordsworth Military Library|year = 2005|isbn=1-8402-2202-6}}
* {{Cite book|last=Bryant |first=Arthur |author-link=Arthur Bryant |title=Nelson |location=London |publisher=Collins |year=1970 }}
* {{Cite book | last = Coleman|first = Terry|title = Nelson: The man and the legend|publisher = Bloomsbury|year = 2001|isbn=0-7475-5900-7}}
* {{Cite book | last = Dane|first = Clemence|title = The Nelson Touch: An Anthology of Lord Nelson's Letters|location = London|publisher = Heinemann|year = 1942}}
* {{Cite book|first=Peter|last=Goodwin|author-link=Peter Goodwin (maritime author)|title=Nelson's Ships: A History Of The Vessels In Which He Served: 1771–1805|location=London|publisher=Conway Maritime Press|year=2002|isbn=0-8117-1007-6}}
* {{Cite book|first=Peter|last=Grindal|title=Opposing the Slavers: The Royal Navy's Campaign against the Atlantic Slave Trade|location=London|publisher=I.B. Tauris & Co|year=2016|isbn=978-1788312868}}
* {{Cite book|last=Haydn|first=Joseph|title=The Book of Dignities|url=https://archive.org/details/bookdignitiesco00haydgoog|publisher=Longmans, Brown, Green, and Longmans|year=1851}}
* {{Cite book|last = Hayward|first = Joel S. A.|author-link=Joel Hayward|title = [[For God and Glory]]: Lord Nelson and His Way of War|year = 2003| publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=1-5911-4351-9}}
* {{Cite book|last = Hibbert|first = Christopher|author-link = Christopher Hibbert|title = Nelson. A Personal History.|publisher = Basic Books|year = 1994|isbn=0-2014-0800-7}}
* {{Cite book|last=Howarth |first=David |author-link=David Armine Howarth |title=Trafalgar. The Nelson Touch |location=London |publisher=Collins |year=1969 }}
* {{Cite book|last=Howarth |first=David & Stephen |title=Nelson. The Immortal Memory |location=London |publisher=J. M. Dent & Sons |year=1988 }}
* {{cite book|last1=Joslin|first1=E.C.|last2= Litherland|first2= E.C.|last3= Simpkin|first3=B.T.|title=British Battles and Medals|publisher=Spink|year=1988 |isbn=0-9076-0525-7}}
* {{Cite book|author=Knight, Roger|author-link=R. J. B. Knight|title=The Pursuit of Victory: The Life and Achievement of Horatio Nelson|location=New York|publisher=Basic Books|year=2005|isbn=0-4650-3764-X|url=https://archive.org/details/pursuitofvictory00knig}}
* {{Cite book|last=Lambert|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Lambert|title=Nelson: Britannia's God of War|location=London|publisher=Faber and Faber|year=2004|isbn=0-5712-1222-0}}
* {{Cite book|last=Lavery|first=Brian|author-link=Brian Lavery|title=Nelson and the Nile|location=London|publisher=Caxton Editions|year=2003|isbn=1-8406-7522-5}}
* {{Cite book|last= Lee|first=Christopher|title= Nelson and Napoleon, The Long Haul to Trafalgar|author-link=Christopher Lee (historian)|publisher=headline books|page=560 |year=2005|isbn=0-7553-1041-1}}
* {{Cite book|last=Naish |first=George P. B. |title=Nelson's Letters to his Wife and other documents 1785–1831 |location=London |publisher=Navy Records Society |year=1958 }}
* Nelson, Horatio, Lord Viscount, ''The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson: With Notes by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas G.C.M.G., The First Volume, 1777 to August 1794,'' Henry Colburn, London, 1844
* Nelson, Horatio, Lord Viscount, ''The Dispatches and Letters of Vice Admiral Lord Viscount Nelson: With Notes by Sir Nicholas Harris Nicolas G.C.M.G., The Third Volume, January 1798 to August 1799,'' Henry Colburn, London, 1845
* {{Cite book|last = Oman|first = Carola|author-link=Carola Oman|title = Nelson|publisher = Hodder & Stoughton|location = London|year = 1987|isbn=0-340-40672-0}}
* {{Cite book|last = Pettigrew|first = Thomas|author-link=Thomas Pettigrew|title = Memoirs of the Life of Vice-Admiral, Lord Viscount Nelson, K. B., Duke of Bronte|url = https://archive.org/details/memoirslifevice02pettgoog|publisher=T. & W. Boone|location=London| year = 1849}}
* {{Cite book|last = Pocock|first = Tom|author-link=Tom Pocock|title = Horatio Nelson|publisher = The Bodley Head|location = London|year = 1987|isbn=0-370-31124-8}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sugden|first=John|title=Nelson: A Dream of Glory|location=London|publisher=Jonathan Cape|year=2004|isbn=0-224-06097-X}}
* {{Cite book|last=Sugden|first=John|title=Nelson: The Sword of Albion|location=New York|publisher=Henry Holt and Co.|year=2013|isbn=978-080507807-7}}
* {{Cite book|last= von Pivka|first=Otto|author-link=Digby Smith|title=Navies of the Napoleonic Era|publisher=Hippocrene Books|year=1980|isbn=0-88254-505-1}}
* {{Cite book|last=Warner |first=Oliver |author-link=Oliver Warner |title=A Portrait of Lord Nelson |location=London |publisher=Chatto & Windus|year=1958 }}
* {{Cite book|last=White|first=Colin|author-link=Colin White (historian)|title=Nelson, The New Letters|year=2005|publisher=Boydell Press|isbn=1-84383-130-9}}
* {{Cite book|last=Wilkinson |first=Clennell |title=Nelson |location=London |publisher=George G. Harrap |year=1931 }}
{{refend}}

== Further reading ==

{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{Cite book|last = Beatty|first = William|author-link = William Beatty (surgeon)|title = The Death of Lord Nelson|year = 1807 | publisher=Crimson Cats Audiobooks |url=https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/15233|isbn=0-9551394-4-9}}
* {{Cite book|last=Callender |first=Sir Geoffrey |author-link=Geoffrey Callender |title=The Life of Nelson |publisher=Longmans |year=1912 }}
* {{Cite book|last = Coleman|first = Terry|title = The Nelson Touch: The Life and Legend|publisher = Oxford University Press|year = 2004|isbn=0-19-517322-8}}
* {{Cite EB1911|wstitle=Nelson, Horatio Nelson, Viscount|volume=19|pages=352–358|first=David McDowall|last=Hannay|author-link=David Hannay (historian)}}
* {{Cite book|last=Mahan |first=Captain A. T. |author-link=Alfred Thayer Mahan |title=The Life of Nelson: The Embodiment of the Sea Power of Great Britain |publisher=Little, Brown & Co. |year=1897 }}
* {{Cite book|last=Pocock |first=Tom |title=The Young Nelson in the Americas |publisher=Collins |year=1980 }}
* {{Cite book|last=Rodger |first=N. A. M. |author-link=N. A. M. Rodger |title=The Command of the Ocean: A Naval History of Britain 1649–1815 |publisher=Allen Lane |year=2004 |ref=none}}
* {{Cite book|title=The Life of Nelson|url=https://archive.org/details/lifenelson01soutgoog|last=Southey|first=Robert|author-link=Robert Southey|publisher=Longmans, Green, and Company, 302 pages|year=1896}}, [https://archive.org/details/robertsoutheysl01soutgoog E'book]
* {{Cite book|last=Vincent|first=Edgar|title=Nelson: Love & Fame|publisher=Basic Books|year=2003|isbn=0-300-10260-7}}
* {{Cite book|last=Warner |first=Oliver |title=Trafalgar |publisher=B. T. Batsford |year=1959 }}
* {{Cite journal|last=Worrall|first=Simon|year=2005|title=Battle of Trafalgar: Admiral Lord Nelson's Fatal Victory|journal= [[National Geographic Society|National Geographic]]|volume= 208|issue=4}}
* {{cite book|last=Yonge|first=Charles Duke|ref=Yonge|title=The History of the British Navy, Volumes I & II|author-link=Charles Duke Yonge|publisher=Richard Bentley, London; Vol. I: 716 pages; Vol. II: 809 pages|year=1863 }}, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Hl5GAAAAYAAJ E'book v1], [https://books.google.com/books?id=WQY-AAAAcAAJ&q=berwick E'book v2]
* {{Cite book|title = The Naval Chronicle, Volume 3|publisher = J. Gold|year = 1800}} (reissued by [[Cambridge University Press]], 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-108-01842-5}})
* {{Cite book|title = The Naval Chronicle, Volume 6|publisher= J. Gold|year= 1806}} (reissued by [[Cambridge University Press]], 2010. {{ISBN|978-1-108-01854-8}})
{{refend}}

== External links ==

{{Sister project links|wikt=no|commons=Horatio Nelson|b=no|n=no|q=Horatio Nelson|s=Nelson, Horatio (DNB00)|v=no|voy=no|species=no|d=Q83235}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{Hansard-contribs|mr-horatio-nelson|the Viscount Nelson}}
* {{Gutenberg author|id=6057}}
* {{Internet Archive author|sname=Horatio Nelson}}
* {{Librivox author|id=1544}}
* [http://collections.rmg.co.uk/collections.html#csearch;searchTerm=nelson Collections related to Nelson held by the National Maritime Museum]
* [http://www.nelson-society.com/ The Nelson Society]
* [http://www.nelson-museum.co.uk/ Norfolk Nelson Museum]
* [http://www.shapell.org/manuscript.aspx?168854 Original Letters Written by Horatio Nelson] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725070535/http://www.shapell.org/manuscript.aspx?168854 |date=25 July 2014 }} Shapell Manuscript Foundation
* {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080821021212/http://www.oxonianreview.org/issues/5-1/5-1nicholls.html An essay on Nelson in The Oxonian Review of Books]}}
* [http://www.aboutnelson.co.uk Nelson, history]
* [http://www.booktracker.net/notes/biography/nelson/ Review of A. T. Mahan's biography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304111143/http://booktracker.net/notes/biography/nelson |date=4 March 2012 }}
{{refend}}

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{{succession box|title=[[Mediterranean Fleet|Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet]]|before=[[George Elphinstone, 1st Viscount Keith|Viscount Keith]]|after=[[Cuthbert Collingwood, 1st Baron Collingwood|Lord Collingwood]]|years=1803–1805}}
|-
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{{s-new}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Earl Nelson|Baron Nelson]] <br /><small>(of the Nile and of Hillborough)</small>|years=1801–1805}}
{{s-aft|after=[[William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson|William Nelson]]}}
{{S-reg|other}}
{{s-new|creation}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Duke of Bronte]] <br /><small>(in the [[Kingdom of Sicily]])</small>|years=1799–1805}}
{{s-aft|after=[[William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson|William Nelson]]}}
{{S-end}}

{{Good article}}
{{Napoleonic Wars}}
{{Portal bar|United Kingdom|France}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount}}
[[Category:Horatio Nelson| ]]
[[Category:1758 births]]
[[Category:1805 deaths]]
[[Category:Barons Nelson]]
[[Category:British military personnel killed in action in the Napoleonic Wars]]
[[Category:British naval commanders of the Napoleonic Wars]]
[[Category:Royal Navy personnel of the French Revolutionary Wars]]
[[Category:Burials at St Paul's Cathedral]]
[[Category:Deaths by firearm in Spain]]
[[Category:English amputees]]
[[Category:Knights Companion of the Order of the Bath]]
[[Category:Knights of the Order of the Crescent]]
[[Category:Military personnel from Norfolk]]
[[Category:People educated at Norwich School]]
[[Category:People educated at Paston College]]
[[Category:People from King's Lynn and West Norfolk (district)]]
[[Category:Royal Navy vice admirals]]
[[Category:British royalty and nobility with disabilities]]
[[Category:Peers of Great Britain created by George III]]<!--in 1798 as Baron Nelson-->
[[Category:Viscounts in the Peerage of the United Kingdom]]
[[Category:People who died at sea]]
[[Category:Royal Navy personnel of the American Revolutionary War]]
[[Category:People of the War of the First Coalition]]