Chain

Gold watch chain, the chain is made up of rectangular links, which are joined together by cylindrical links. There is a label attached to the chain which bears the inscription 'This gold watch chain belonged to and was always worn by Captain Alexander Hood RN born 23rd April 1758, accompanied Capt James Cook RN on one of his voyages round the world. After a long series of actions (?) was mortally wounded at the moment of victory on board his ship HMS Mars in the successful action with the French ship L'Hercule off the Bec du Raz 21 April 1796. It is claimed for the Hood family that they have taken more ships and guns without loosing one man than any other English family'.

Object Details

ID: JEW0394
Collection: Decorative art
Type: Chain
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Events: French Revolutionary Wars: Capture of the Hercule, 1798
Vessels: H.M.S. Mars; L'Hercule (1797)
Date made: Late 18th century
People: Hood, Alexander; Cook, James Hood Family
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 402 mm x 10 mm x 6 mm