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. 

 

Young Nelson
Horatio Nelson was born in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, on 29 September 1758. He first went to sea at 12, marking the start of his heroic naval career.
Who shot Nelson’s killer?
Lord Nelson was killed at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Signal Midshipman John Pollard took credit for killing the Frenchman who did it.
Nelson's funeral
Nelson was shot at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). His body was brought back to England on board HMS Victory and he was buried at St Paul’s Cathedral.
Nelson’s legacy
Lord Nelson and his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar left a long and lasting legacy that's still commemorated today
Nelson the man
As well as being a naval hero, Lord Nelson was an interesting and complex man. His letters and diaries reveal much about his character
Admiral Nelson the leader
Lord Nelson is best known for his victory at the Battle of the Trafalgar but he was already a national hero before then thanks to his naval tactics.
Nelson and Portsmouth
Portsmouth is a major British naval base. Nelson left from Portsmouth on board HMS Victory to go to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Nelson and Napoleon
The lives and careers of Horatio Nelson and Napoleon Bonaparte are inextricably linked, as two dominant leaders and adversaries. 
Nelson and Great Yarmouth
Lord Nelson was born close to the coastal town of Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. He paid a number of visits to Great Yarmouth throughout his career.
HMS Victory
HMS Victory was Lord Nelson's flagship in his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. Discover more about the history of the famous ship