Britain has had its fair share of heroes, but very few have commanded the same affection that Nelson did. “We do not know whether we should mourn or rejoice. The country has gained the most splendid and decisive Victory that has ever graced the naval annals of England; but it has been dearly purchased. The great and gallant NELSON is no more.”
FIRST FAREWELL The 12-year-old Nelson says goodbye to his grandmother upon joining the Navy
ALAMY X2, GETTY X2
With these words, The Times summed up the mood of the nation, for the news of Nelson’s death at Trafalgar was met with an outpouring of public grief that wouldn’t be matched until the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, nearly 200 years later. His loss was felt particularly keenly in the Navy. Admiral Collingwood, Nelson’s normally reserved second-in-command, wept at the news, while a boatswain’s mate on board Victory cried so much that he was unable to pipe the men to quarters. When Nelson’s co n was taken for burial in St Paul’s Cathedral a few weeks later, huge crowds of mourners showed up to line the streets.