Horatio Nelson (1758-1805)

Horatio Nelson was Great Britain's greatest admiral and naval hero. In 1805, he defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets at Trafalgar in the greatest naval victory in British history. His victory broke France's naval power and established Britain's rule of the seas for the rest of the 1800's.

Nelson was born at Bumham-Thorpe in the English county of Norfolk, on Sept. 29, 1758. His father was rector of the local church, and his mother was a member of the famous Walpole family. Nelson was a small, frail child. But he fell in love with the sea early in life and made up his mind to be a sailor. He spent much time piloting small boats on the river near his home.

At the age of 15, Nelson went aboard the Carcass as a coxswain. He served on that vessel in an expedition to the Arctic seas. On his return, he was sent to the East Indies on the Seahorse. On the East Indies voyage, he caught a fever that seriously damaged his health. But he became a lieutenant in the Royal Navy at 18.

Nelson became a vice admiral in 1801. After the Battle of Copenhagen, Nelson was given the title of viscount.

Nelson was made commander in chief of the fleet in May 1803. It was more than two years before Nelson was able to bring the French fleet to battle off Cape Trafalgar on the coast of Spain, on Oct. 21, 1805. Nelson hoisted his famous signal. "England expects that every man will do his duty." With only 27 vessels Nelson attacked the combined French and Spanish fleets. One of the great naval battles of all time followed. Napoleon's fleet, which had 33 warships, was destroyed.

Nelson was wounded at the height of the battle. He was carried below with a sharpshooter's bullet in his spine. Nelson died during the battle, but he lived long enough to know that the British fleet had defeated the French and Spanish fleets. Nelson’s last words were, "Thank God I have done my duty."

One of Nelson’s great characteristics as a commander was his willingness to give full credit to his officers and men. After the Battle of Copenhagen, he refused the honor given him by the City of London because he alone was to be honored.

The poet Robert Southey wrote to Nelson, “England has had many heroes. But never had one who so entirely possessed the love of his fellow countrymen. …”

After Nelson’s death, he became such a hero in Britain that the government erected a large monument topped with a statue of him in Trafalgar Square, which was named for Nelson’s last battle. The monument is one of the most famous landmarks in London.

Answer the questions.

1. What was Horatio Nelson?

2. What was his role in the history of Britain?

3. Where did he come from?

4. What was his hobby in childhood?

5. At what age did Nelson become a real sailor?

6. Was he a good captain?

7. When was Nelson made commander in chief of the fleet?

8. Why was battle at Trafalgar important?

9. What happened to Nelson in this battle?

10. What kind of a commander was Nelson?

11. Do you think he was a real England’s hero? Why do you think so?