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Don't miss the beautiful golden 'fede' or betrothal ring in the Nelson, Navy, Nation gallery at the National Maritime Museuma unique object symbolising the enduring love story between Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton.

This ring, belonging to Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, is designed to look like two clasped hands. It was worn by Nelson at the time of his death.

It is one of a pair of rings exchanged by Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton, probably when they took communion together before his departure for the Battle of Trafalgar. 

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A love story for the ages

Emma and Nelson met in Naples in 1793, but it was not until 1799 that their romantic relationship began. 

Their love affair was a passionate and enduring one that scandalised high society as both were married and Nelson was a household name, thanks to his heroic exploits in the British Royal Navy.

When it became clear that Nelson would have to choose between Emma and his wife, Frances, he chose Emma. Not long after, he told Emma in a passionate letter that she was his wife ‘in my eyes and in the face of heaven’.

Nelson returned to active service in January 1801, which meant the lovers were apart when Emma gave birth to a daughter, whom they named Horatia. They kept in touch through a series of passionate letters.

I think I have not lost my heart,

Since I with truth can swear,

At every moment of my life,

I feel my Nelson there!…

 

Then do not rob me of my heart,

Unless you first forsake it;

And then so wretched it would be,

Despair alone will take it.'

Emma Hamilton to Horatio Nelson
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A tragic end

On the day before Nelson left to return to active duty in 1805, they went to a parish church where, in a conscious imitation of a marriage service, they received private communion and exchanged rings.

As HMS Victory sailed into action at Trafalgar, Nelson's last private act was to amend his will, in which he implored his king and country to provide for Emma and Horatia.

Nelson was shot through the left shoulder by a French sniper. He only lived for long enough to find out that the English navy had been successful in defeating the French and Spanish forces.

Once Nelson was gone, Emma was abandoned by many of his family and friends. She also found that no one was prepared to honour his last wishes and provide for her and their child.

What’s On

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Exhibitions | Space and astronomy

Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition

See the world's greatest space photography at the National Maritime Museum
Open daily until 11 August 2025 | 10am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Character Encounters at the National Maritime Museum

Visit the National Maritime Museum every Saturday to discover a different character from history with their own fascinating story to tell
Every Saturday
Free
National Maritime Museum
Exhibitions | Maritime history

Pirates

Explore the myth, discover the truth: Pirates at the National Maritime Museum is now open
Open daily until 4 January 2026 | 10am-5pm
Adult: £15 | Student: £11.25 | Child: £7.50
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Play Tuesdays

Bring your under 5 on a different adventure every week! Explore the Museum together through song, dance and stories
Term time Tuesdays | 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.00pm, 2.00pm
£4 per child and accompanying adult | Under 6 months free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Safe Harbour

Safe Harbour is a series of free workshops created to provide a safe space for foster and adoptive families with children under 13 years
Monthly: Next date 19 July | 12.30pm - 2.30pm
Ticketed | Free
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

SENsory Sailors

Come along and enjoy this brand new sensory play session for children under 13 years with special educational needs
Once a month on Saturdays | 11am-12.30pm
Free | Pre-booking required
National Maritime Museum
Family fun

Discover Sundays

Each Sunday come and explore the Museum's collection through hands on creative activities
Term time Sundays | 11am - 1pm | 2pm - 4pm
Free | Drop-in
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | BSL tours

BSL Tour: Pirates

Join John Wilson for a British Sign Language (BSL) tour of our Pirates exhibition at the National Maritime Museum
Thursday 15 May and Saturday 1 November 2025 | 2pm-3pm
Adult: £15 | Student: £11.25 | Child: £7.50
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Ocean Court

Lecture: Blue Machine

Discover the blue machine that drives our planet with scientist and presenter Dr Helen Czerski
Monday 21 July 2025 l 6.30pm
Adult: £12
National Maritime Museum
Family fun | Ocean Court

Ocean: above and below

Dive into an ocean adventure with free activities every day at the National Maritime Museum this summer!
Daily except Mondays | 23 July - 31 August 2025
Free
National Maritime Museum
Workshops

Historical pocket making workshop

Create a timeless tie-on pocket as part of this project providing community workshops accessible for people with memory loss, Alzheimer’s and dementia
Tuesday 5 August, 4 November and 2 December | 11am-1pm
Free, drop-in
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Royal Observatory 350th anniversary

Evening of Astrophotography

Come along to a panel discussion to learn more about astrophotography, and enjoy a private viewing of the Astronomy Photographer of the Year 2024 exhibition
Friday 8 August 2025 | 6pm-8pm
Adults: £12 | Students and Under 25s: £8.50
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals | Ocean Court

International Slavery Remembrance Day

Explore the legacies of the transatlantic slave trade and its abolition at the National Maritime Museum
Saturday 23 August 2025 | 11am-5pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Talks and tours | Member events

Members Preview: ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year

Members get to see the new ZWO Astronomy Photographer of the Year exhibition first, and hear about the winning images from an expert from the Museum
Thursday 11 September 2025 | 7pm
Free Entry
National Maritime Museum
Conferences | Maritime history

Britain, Conflict, and the Sea conference

This conference seeks to explore the ways in which modern Britain has been shaped by ideas and practices of maritime war
Friday 12 September 2025 9am-5.45pm | Saturday 13 September 9am-3.30pm
Adult £50 | Postgraduate Researcher/Student £25 | Members £45
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Intermediate Astronomy

Acquire a rigorous scientific understanding of the Universe with the Royal Observatory Greenwich
10-week module held on Tuesday evenings | See page for details
£205 per module
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astronomy

Learn the basics of astronomy with expert tutors from Royal Observatory Greenwich
Six-week courses held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Introduction to Astrophysics

Explore topics at the cutting edge of scientific research and the limits of human knowledge
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Enjoy 2-for-1 entry to Pirates at the National Maritime Museum and come dressed as a pirate for the chance to win some amazing treasures!
Friday 19 - Sunday 21 September 2025 | 10am-5pm
2-for-1 on all Pirates exhibition tickets | Museum admission free
National Maritime Museum
Workshops

Saturday Art Club

Register now for our weekly creative workshops for young people aged 13-16 during term time at the National Maritime Museum
Saturdays from October 2025 - April 2026 | 10am-1pm
Free
National Maritime Museum
Courses | Astronomy courses

Amateur Astronomy For Beginners

A course for those looking to make astronomy into a hobby
Six-week course held on Tuesday evenings | See page for available dates
£96
National Maritime Museum
Events and festivals

STEM careers event: from seas to stars

Free careers event for schools
Wednesday 4 March 2026
Free
National Maritime Museum

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