Explore the life and career of Horatio Nelson – from his successful naval career, culminating in the Battle of Trafalgar, to his personal relationships and colourful love life. You can also discover some of the weird and wonderful Nelson-related objects on display at the National Maritime Museum, including the jacket Nelson was wearing when he was fatally wounded.

Nelson timeline

29 September 1758 | Born in Norfolk

11 March 1787 | Married Frances (Fanny) Nisbet

May 1794 | Blinded in his right eye in Bastia

24 July 1797 | Lost his arm at the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife

1799 | Nelson and Emma Hamilton begin their affair

5 February 1801 | Horatia Nelson born, daughter of Nelson and his mistress Emma Hamilton

21 October 1805 | Died at the Battle of Trafalgar

23 December 1805 | Nelson's body brought to Greenwich befor being laid to rest at St. Paul's Cathedral on 8 January. 

 

12 Jun 2019
Sir Isaac Heard: the man who helped the nation mourn Nelson
In this blog we recall how the nation bid farewell to Nelson and look at the life of the Garter King of Arms, Sir Isaac Heard (1730-1822), who organized the procession and ceremony.
13 Jul 2017
‘Convinced of your Lordship’s feeling Heart…’
Many of the common seamen of Nelson’s time were not literate, meaning letters of the ‘Lower deck’ are rare. Nelson probably received a great deal of correspondence asking for help or influence of one kind or another, but was his reputation for benevolence towards those that had served under him sometimes exploited or taken advantage of? 
Emma Hamilton and the decade that shook Europe
Emma became involved in European politics at a time of great turbulence and conflict following the French Revolution.
Emma’s end: debt, exile and defiance
When Emma, her husband Sir William Hamilton and her lover Lord Nelson returned to England, she must have seen the adoring crowds awaiting Nelson and the endless social invitations coming her way and thought that her future could be bright. By 1813, though, she would be reduced to living in debtors’ prison – a non-person to the many she had showered with lavish hospitality only a short while before.
Emma Hamilton: The Lady with Attitudes
Arriving in Naples aged just 21, Emma could not have imagined the turn her life would take. She was about to enter a golden period of admiration.
The many faces of Emma Hamilton
When a fashionable society artist met a strikingly beautiful and expressive young woman, the shockwaves would continue for years to come.
Who is Emma Hamilton?
From maid to muse, pauper to politician, Emma Hamilton transcended barriers and transformed her story from an ordinary one into an extraordinary one.
26 Oct 2016
Conserving Horatia Nelson
We're busy getting ready for the opening of our major Emma Hamilton: Seduction and Celebrity exhibition on 3 November. Paintings Conservator, Sarah Maisey, has been preparing one mysterious portrait for display. We go behind the scenes of her work. 
02 Sep 2016
Meet the Thompsons
The secret love letters of Nelson and Emma Hamilton, though it appears his capabilities at subterfuge were not nearly as great as those he possessed for naval leadership!
13 Oct 2015
A rum deal: The origins of Nelson’s blood
Rum has long been a part of Britain's maritime heritage - but what is the real history of Nelson's Blood? Find out more about rum and the Navy below.