A crowded scene of celebration on the River Thames for the launch of the ‘Nelson’, depicted in starboard quarter view in the centre of the image. Passengers can be seen climbing aboard whilst spectators gaze on temporary viewing stands, boats and inch of dry land.
Impression published by William Bernard Cooke. Another version was published by J. Hogarth (PAD6097).
The keel of the 'Nelson' was laid in 1805, but it was not until nine years later that she was launched at Woolwich in July 1814. The launching was a gala affair with the Royal family in attendance, and over 20,000 spectators. The 'Nelson' was described as being 'superb and stupendous, of immense magnitude and exciting admiration, with a figurehead of our brave and ever lamented hero Nelson, supported by the flame and Britannia, with the motto England expects every man to do his duty’.