'Paradise Merton'
Nelson returned to Britain from the West Indies on 18 August 1805. He travelled to Merton, his home with Emma Hamilton, where they were joined by their daughter, Horatia. This was the first and last time that all three lived together in the same house.
Over the next three weeks, their domestic bliss was interrupted by a constant stream of visitors and by Nelson's frequent trips into London. There he discussed the continued French threat with ministers and Admiralty offcials. Nelson’s popularity was such that he was often mobbed on the streets.
On 2 September, Captain Henry Blackwood arrived with urgent news. Villeneuve's ships had reached Cadiz, joining with the Spanish to form a massive Combined Fleet. Nelson left immediately for London, where he was told to blockade or destroy this threatening force. On 14 September, he boarded the Victory at Portsmouth and set sail the following day.