Necklace

Gold necklace, a gift from Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) to his daughter Horatia Nelson-Ward (1801-1881). The chain is made of loops of gold ribbon joined by wire links with a ring at either end of the chain for a ribbon tie. There is a gold silhouette of a dog within an oval frame, at the centre of the necklace. A label attached to the necklace is inscribed with the words 'Given to Horatia, his daughter by Admiral Viscount Nelson in answer to her letter saying that he had promised her a dog'.

He wrote to her from 'Victory' on January 14th 1804 as follows:
'As I am sure that for the world you would not tell a story, it must have slipped my memory that I promised you a watch. Therefore I have sent to Naples to get one and I will send it home as soon as it arrives. The dog I never could have promised as we have no dogs on board ship; only I beg my dear Horatia to be obedient and you will ever be sure of the affection of
Nelson & Bronte.'

Object Details

ID: JEW0369
Collection: Decorative art
Type: Necklace
Display location: Display - Nelson, Navy, Nation Gallery
Creator: Unknown
Date made: circa 1803
Exhibition: Nelson, Navy, Nation
People: Nelson, Horatio; Nelson, Horatia Hamilton, Emma
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London, Nelson-Ward Collection
Measurements: Overall: 310 x 25 mm
Parts: Necklace