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Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson

British naval commander in Napoleonic Wars
British naval commander in Napoleonic Wars

Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, was a British flag officer known for his leadership and victories in the Napoleonic Wars. His famous signal at the Battle of Trafalgar and numerous monuments honor his legacy.

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1731
Horatio Nelson's Birth

Horatio Nelson was born in 1731 as the sixth child of Edmund Nelson and Catherine. The Nelson family had connections with Lord Walpole and Captain Maurice Suckling, which played a significant role in Nelson's future.

1738-09-29
Birth of Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson was born on September 29, 1738. He was a British naval officer known for his leadership during the Napoleonic Wars.

1757
Horatio Nelson's Naval Career Begins

After the death of his mother, Horatio Nelson's uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling, took him to sea. This event marked the beginning of Nelson's illustrious naval career.

1758-09-29
Birth of Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, was born on September 29, 1758. He is regarded as the greatest naval hero in English history.

1767
Nelson's mother dies

In 1767, Horatio Nelson faced the loss of his mother.

1771-01-01
Enrollment in the Royal Navy

At the age of twelve, he enrolled in the Royal Navy and began his naval career on the third-rate HMS Raisonnable as an ordinary seaman and coxswain under the command of his maternal uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling.

1773-11-19
Nelson sails for the East Indies

Nelson embarked on a journey to the East Indies on 19 November 1773.

1774-05-25
Nelson arrives at Madras

Nelson reached the British outpost at Madras on 25 May 1774.

1775-02-19
First Battle Experience

Nelson faced his first battle experience when Seahorse was attacked by Hyder Ali's ketches on 19 February 1775.

1776-03-14
Nelson's Illness and Return to England

Nelson fell seriously ill with malaria in early 1776, leading to his discharge from Seahorse on 14 March and return to England aboard HMS Dolphin.

1777-04
Nelson passes Lieutenant's exam

In April 1777, Horatio Nelson passes his Lieutenant's exam.

1777-12
Nelson joins HMS Lowestoffe

In December 1777, Horatio Nelson joins HMS Lowestoffe under Captain Locker and goes to the West Indies.

1778
Prize Money and Promotion to Post-Captain

Nelson earned prize money from capturing French ships during the American War of Independence in 1778. He was promoted to post-captain on 11 June.

1779-09-01
Command of HMS Hinchinbrook

Nelson took command of the HMS Hinchinbrook on 1 September 1779.

1780-06-11
Promotion to Post-Captain

Nelson was promoted to post-captain on 11 June 1780.

1781-08-15
Appointment to HMS Albemarle

Nelson was appointed to the frigate HMS Albemarle on 15 August 1781.

1782
Becomes Captain of HMS Albemarle

In 1782, he was appointed as the Captain of HMS Albemarle.

1783
Nelson's Return to England after the American Revolution

In 1783, after the American Revolution, Horatio Nelson returned to England via France. He was appointed to command a frigate bound for the West Indies, where he faced challenges enforcing the Navigation Act against American ships still trading with British privileges.

1784-03
Appointed as Captain of HMS Boreas

In March 1784, Nelson was appointed as the Captain of HMS Boreas and was sent to the West Indies.

1785-05
Meets Frances Nisbet at Nevis

In May 1785, Nelson met Frances Nisbet at Nevis.

1787-03-11
Marriage to Fanny Nesbit

On March 11, 1787, Horatio Nelson married Fanny Nesbit, a widow native to Nevis, at the end of his tour of duty in the Caribbean.

1792
Recall to Service and Command of HMS Agamemnon

In 1792, Nelson was recalled to service by the Admiralty and given command of the 64-gun HMS Agamemnon in January 1793, just before France declared war.

1793-10-22
Action at Corsica

On 22 October 1793, Nelson engaged a French squadron off Corsica, inflicting damage before withdrawing to Cagliari. This marked a significant event in his Mediterranean service.

1794-04-11
Capture of Bastia

After a series of strategic moves and bombardments, Nelson led the capture of Bastia on 11 April 1794 during the Corsican campaign, a crucial victory in the Mediterranean.

1795-03-14
Battle of Genoa

During the Battle of Genoa, Nelson joined the British ships in attacking the French ships Ça Ira and Censeur, forcing them to surrender and preventing the French from invading Corsica.

1795-07-06
Encounter with French Fleet

Nelson ran into the French fleet while sailing from San Fiorenzo to Genoa, leading to a pursuit by larger French ships. He managed to retreat to San Fiorenzo and alert the British fleet, avoiding a decisive action.

1796-03
Promotion to Commodore

In March 1796, Nelson was promoted to the rank of Commodore.

1796-06
Joining HMS Captain

In June 1796, Nelson joined the HMS Captain.

1796-07
Evacuation of British Nationals from Leghorn

Nelson oversaw the evacuation of British nationals from Leghorn to Corsica as the French advanced towards the city. Later, he was ordered to blockade the newly captured French port.

1796-12
Capture of Santa Sabina

In December 1796, while transferring his flag to the frigate Minerve, Nelson captured a Spanish frigate, Santa Sabina, but decided to flee when two Spanish ships of the line and one frigate appeared, leaving Lieutenant Hardy captured.

1797-02-14
British Victory at the Battle of Cape St Vincent

On February 14, 1797, Nelson played a significant role in the British victory at the Battle of Cape St Vincent. As a result of this victory, he was knighted as a member of the Order of the Bath.

1797-07-03
Action off Cadiz

Nelson led an amphibious assault off Cadiz, where he engaged in a hand-to-hand struggle with the Spanish commander. His life was saved twice by a seaman named John Sykes during the action.

1797-07-25
Attack on Santa Cruz, Tenerife

In 1797, during the attack on Santa Cruz, Tenerife, Admiral Nelson's boats faced strong currents and fierce attacks from the shore, resulting in significant losses. Nelson was shot in his right arm above the elbow, leading to amputation after his stepson applied a tourniquet to stop the bleeding. The mission ultimately ended in failure.

1797-09-01
Return to England

Nelson returned to England after the failed expedition at Tenerife. Despite his injury, he received a hero's welcome and was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

1798-03-28
Dispatch to Toulon

Nelson sailed to Toulon with HMS Vanguard to reconnoitre French activities in the Mediterranean, as Napoleon was gathering forces in Southern France.

1798-08-01
The Battle of the Nile

Nelson's decisive victory over the French fleet at the Battle of the Nile was a major blow to Napoleon's ambitions in the east. The French fleet was destroyed, significantly impacting the course of the Napoleonic Wars.

1798-09-22
Nelson becomes Baron Nelson of the Nile

After the battle, Nelson is granted the title of Baron Nelson of the Nile.

1798-12-23
Nelson stays with the Hamiltons in Naples

Nelson controversially stays with the Hamiltons in Naples for over a year.

1799-01-01
Nelson promoted to Vice-Admiral

On January 1st, Nelson is promoted to the rank of Vice-Admiral.

1799-01-13
Nelson assigned to HMS San Josef

On January 13th, Nelson is assigned to HMS San Josef, the ship he captured at the Battle of the Nile.

1799-01-30
Birth of Horatia Nelson

On January 30th, Nelson and Emma's daughter, Horatia, is born.

1799-03-12
Nelson given command of HMS St George

On March 12th, Nelson is given command of HMS St George.

1799-06-24
Capitulation with Jacobin forces in Naples

On 24 June 1799, Nelson arrived in Naples to find a capitulation agreement with Jacobin forces in effect. Despite initial disagreements, Nelson eventually allowed the surrender of the rebels.

1799-08-13
Granting of the title Duke of Bronte

On 13 August 1799, King Ferdinand IV granted Nelson the title Duke of Bronte for his support of the monarchy. This title was made Nelson's perpetual property along with an estate in Sicily.

1800-02-18
Capture of Généreux during the siege of Malta

On 18 February 1800, Nelson captured the French ship Généreux during the siege of Malta after a short battle, earning approval from his superior officer, Lord Keith.

1801-01-01
Promotion to Vice Admiral of the Blue

On January 1, 1801, Horatio Nelson was promoted to Vice Admiral of the Blue, the sixth highest rank in the Royal Navy.

1801-01-22
Granting of Freedom of the City of Plymouth

On January 22, 1801, Nelson was granted the freedom of the city of Plymouth, a significant honor bestowed upon him.

1801-01-29
Birth of Horatia Nelson

On January 29, 1801, Lady Emma Hamilton gave birth to Horatia, Nelson's daughter, bringing both delight and disappointment to Nelson.

1801-04-02
Battle of Copenhagen

In 1801, Admiral Nelson led the British Royal Navy to victory by destroying the Danish Navy at the Battle of Copenhagen. Despite receiving a signal to retreat from Admiral Sir Hyde Parker, Nelson famously disregarded it, claiming he was blind to the order due to having only one eye.

1801-05-01
Nelson Becomes Commander-in-Chief in the Baltic Sea

In May 1801, Nelson became commander-in-chief in the Baltic Sea after Admiral Sir Hyde Parker's recall, following the successful Battle of Copenhagen.

1801-05-16
Battle of Copenhagen

The British emerge victorious in the closely fought Battle of Copenhagen. Admiral Horatio Nelson, despite being blind in one eye, leads the British forces and describes it as the bloodiest battle he has ever been in. After the battle, Nelson plays a crucial role in diplomatic negotiations with the Crown Prince of Denmark.

1801-05-19
Creation of Viscount Nelson Title

On May 19, 1801, Nelson was created Viscount Nelson of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, as a reward for his victory in the Baltic.

1801-07-27
Admiralty Sends Nelson to Sea Again

On July 27th, 1801, much to Horatio Nelson's annoyance, the Admiralty promptly sends him to sea again, this time to command the anti-invasion operations in the channel.

1801-08-04
Creation of Baron Nelson Title

On August 4, 1801, Nelson was created Baron Nelson of the Nile and of Hilborough in the County of Norfolk, with a special remainder to his father and sisters, as an additional recognition of his achievements.

1801-11-06
Nelson's Arrival in Great Yarmouth

Nelson arrived in Great Yarmouth on November 6th, where he was given a hero's welcome and sworn in as a freeman of the borough, receiving applause from the crowd.

1802-04-26
Death of Nelson's Father

On April 26th, 1802, Nelson's father passed away.

1803-05-18
Nelson Appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean

On May 18, 1803, Admiral Horatio Nelson was appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Mediterranean. He boarded HMS Victory, a pivotal moment in his naval career.

1803-07-06
Nelson Begins Blockade of the French at Toulon

Starting on July 6, 1803, Admiral Nelson initiated a blockade of the French forces at Toulon. This strategic move aimed to restrict French naval activities in the region.

1804-04-23
Nelson promoted to vice admiral of the white

On April 23, 1804, while still at sea, Admiral Nelson was promoted to the rank of vice admiral of the white, which was the sixth-highest rank in the British Navy at that time.

1805-01-09
Lord Nelson's Funeral in London

Lord Nelson's funeral in London was a significant event with the streets filled with weeping people. The funeral procession was so long that the Scots Greys reached St. Paul's Cathedral before all mourners had left the Admiralty. He was laid to rest in the crypt of St. Paul's Cathedral.

1805-04-18
Nelson Returns to Merton

On April 18th, 1805, Admiral Nelson returned to Merton on leave after chasing French Admiral Villeneuve to the West Indies and back to Europe, protecting British trade.

1805-09-13
Nelson called to oppose French and Spanish fleets at Cádiz

On September 13, 1805, Admiral Nelson was called upon to oppose the French and Spanish fleets, which had joined forces and sought refuge in the harbor of Cádiz, Spain.

1805-09-14
Nelson Boards HMS Victory for the Last Time

On September 14th, 1805, Admiral Nelson boarded HMS Victory for the last time before the upcoming battle, as mentioned in his private diary.

1805-09-28
Sails to Cadiz to join Admiral Collingwood's blockade

In September 28th, Horatio Nelson sails to Cadiz to join Admiral Collingwood's blockade of the Combined Fleet there.

1805-10-20
Battle of Trafalgar

In October 1805, the Battle of Trafalgar occurred off the southern coast of Spain, where the French and Spanish fleets faced the British Royal Navy. This battle became famous as Admiral Nelson's final and most renowned victory.

1805-10-21
Battle of Trafalgar

On October 21, 1805, Admiral Nelson engaged in his final battle, the Battle of Trafalgar, where he led the British Royal Navy to a decisive victory against the combined fleets of France and Spain.

1805-10-22
Armistice with the French

On October 22, 1805, an armistice was signed between the British and the French, leading to Horatio Nelson retiring to England due to poor health.

1805-10-26
Devastating Storm After Battle of Trafalgar

Following the Battle of Trafalgar, a storm hit the fleet causing immense destruction. 14 ships were lost during the storm, surpassing the number of ships lost in the battle itself.

1806-01-08
Nelson's Coffin Taken into the Admiralty

On 8 January 1806, Admiral Nelson's coffin was taken into the Admiralty for the night, attended by his chaplain, Alexander Scott, before his grand funeral procession the next day.

1806-01-09
Nelson's Funeral Procession to St Paul's Cathedral

After lying in state at Greenwich Hospital, Admiral Nelson's coffin was taken to the Admiralty on 8 January 1806. The following day, a grand funeral procession consisting of 32 admirals, over a hundred captains, and 10,000 soldiers escorted the coffin from the Admiralty to St Paul's Cathedral, where he was interred in a crypt.

1807
Publication of Nelson's Letter

In 1807, a letter written by Nelson to Simon Taylor was published by the anti-abolitionist faction, 18 months after Nelson's death. The published letter had alterations to distort its meaning, portraying Nelson in a more anti-Abolitionist light.

1809
Destruction of Nelson's Pillar in Dublin

In 1966, Irish republicans destroyed Nelson's Pillar in Dublin, which was completed in 1809 as a monument to honor Horatio Nelson. The destruction led to a novelty folk song topping the Irish pop charts and sparked discussions about the impact of colonialism.

1819
Lord Byron's tribute to Nelson in Don Juan

In his 1819 poem Don Juan, Lord Byron referred to Nelson as 'Britannia's god of war'.

1835
Creation of Trafalgar Square in London

Trafalgar Square in London was created in 1835 as a memorial to Horatio Nelson. The centrepiece of the square is Nelson's Column, which was finished in 1843.

1840
Nelson's Column Erected in Trafalgar Square

Nelson's Column, erected in 1840 in Trafalgar Square, is a memorial to Lord Nelson, the inspiring leader of the British Navy. The column stands 170ft high and is topped with a statue of Nelson.

1843
Completion of Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column

The Trafalgar Square and Nelson's Column were completed by 1843, with the final addition of Sir Edwin Landseer's lions coming several years later.

1876
Unveiling of Royal Society of Arts Blue Plaque

In 1876, a Royal Society of Arts blue plaque was unveiled at 147 New Bond Street to commemorate Horatio Nelson. The plaque was placed to honor Nelson's memory and achievements.

1881
Death of Horatia Ward

Horatia, Nelson's daughter with Lady Hamilton, married Rev. Philip Ward and passed away in 1881. They had nine children.

1891
Grand Exhibition of Nelson's Life

In 1891, a grand exhibition showcasing Nelson's life opened to the public and attracted nearly two and a half million visitors in the six months it was open.

1894
Formation of the Navy League

The Navy League was established in 1894, providing further momentum to the movement aimed at recognizing and celebrating Nelson's legacy. Grand celebrations were organized in Trafalgar Square on Trafalgar Day in 1896.

1905
Centenary of Trafalgar

The signing of the Triple Entente in 1904 led to subdued celebrations of the centenary of Trafalgar in 1905 to avoid offending the French. Despite this, some navy officers continued to emphasize the importance of Nelson during this period.

1946
Large New Biography by Carola Oman

In 1946, a significant new biography of Nelson was published by Carola Oman, contributing to the ongoing legacy and interest in Nelson's life and achievements.

1954
Premiere of Lennox Berkeley's opera Nelson

Lennox Berkeley's opera Nelson premiered in 1954.

2002
BBC's 100 Greatest Britons Programme

In 2002, Nelson was voted the 9th greatest Briton of all time in the BBC's 100 Greatest Britons programme, highlighting his enduring legacy and impact on British history.

2004
Publication of Nelson - A Dream of Glory

John Sugden's book 'Nelson - A Dream of Glory' was published in 2004, exploring the life and achievements of Admiral Lord Nelson.

2005-10
Publication of 'Admiral Lord Nelson's Fatal Victory' in National Geographic

In October 2005, Simon Worrall's article 'Admiral Lord Nelson's Fatal Victory' was published in National Geographic, discussing the circumstances of Nelson's final battle.

2020
Removal of Nelson Statue in Bridgetown, Barbados

In 2020, the Nelson Statue in National Heroes Square, Bridgetown, Barbados, was removed after years of campaigning. The statue, which had stood since 1813, was relocated to a museum due to its association with colonialism.

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Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson
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