Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1758-1805, attributed to Guy Head, circa 1800. Repro ID: BHC2903 © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Greenwich Hospital Collection News of Nelson's destruction of the French fleet was greeted with euphoria in Britain. He was created 'Baron Nelson of the Nile and Burnham Thorpe' by the King on 6 November 1798.

Life Mask of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1758-1805, circa 1800. Repro ID: D6591_1 ©National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London (Nelson-Ward Collection) Exhausted by the battle, Nelson sailed to Naples, where his ships could be repaired. A forehead wound from the battle caused him great pain, but in Naples he was nursed back to health at the home of Sir William Hamilton, the British envoy, and his wife, Emma. While in Naples, Nelson unwisely became embroiled in local politics. His role in the suppression of the short-lived Neapolitan Republic in June 1799 was controversial. The King of Naples made him Duke of Bronte in gratitude for his services, a title of which he was immensely proud.

Nelson left Naples with the Hamiltons in July 1800, returning to England via Austria, Saxony, Prussia and Hamburg. His relationship with Emma had become intimate and she was already pregnant with his child.

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