Burnham Thorpe
www.nelsonslocal.co.uk


The Parsonage in Burnham Thorpe
Knocked down in 1803 by the new Vicar after his father died.


Photo of Cape Trafalgar taken by Mike Clark

About the Man Himself

1758

Nelson born in our village at Burnham Thorpe. The middle son of a family of five boys and three girls, his father was the rector of the Parish Church. His mother enjoyed valuable social connections.
1767 His Mother died suddenly on Boxing Day.
1771 Joins his Uncle, Captain Maurice Suckling on the 'Raisonnable', a captured French ship, as 'Captains Servant'
1777 Nelson takes examination for a commission as Lieutenant.
1779

Nelson promoted to Post Captain.

 

Assumed command of his first vessel, 'Hitchinbroke'.

1788-1793 Nelson, with his new wife, Frances, lives in the Parsonage at Burnham Thorpe.
1793

Back to sea on 'HMS Agamemnon'.

 

Meets Emma, Lady Hamilton.

1794 In a landing party at Siege of Calvi, Nelson blinded in right eye.
1797

Success on board 'HMS Captain' off Cape St Vincent, makes Nelson a hero and the toast of London.

 

Promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue

 

Made Knight of the Bath

  5 Months later at Santa Cruz, right arm shattered then amputated.
1798

Success at the Battle of the Nile onboard 'HMS Vanguard'

 

Made Baron Nelson of the Nile.

 

Begins affair with Emma.

1801

Promoted to Vice Admiral

 

Nelson made Commander in Chief, Baltic  after Battle of Copenhagen

 

Made Viscount Nelson of the Nile & Burnham Thorpe.

1803 Appointed Commander-in-Chief, Mediterranean Fleet.

Hoists flag on 'Victory'

1805 The Battle of Trafalgar. Nelson's greatest achievement, but it cost him his life.
  Now, how to get his body home!!

The Museum in Santa Cruz, Tenerife which houses a fine display about the battle of Santa Cruz (July 1797) at which Nelson lost his arm.

The display includes
The cannon
El Tigre
(the Tiger) from which,
so it is said, the shot came which caused the injury
The flag from the Frigate Emerald…which the victorious English hoisted up on the Tower of San Christobal Castle- the HeadQuarters of the Spanish Commander General Gutierrez.

 

 

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