Horatio Nelson was a flag officer who was famous for his service to the Royal Navy, in particular during the Napoleonic Wars. Noted for having been an inspirational leader, his command resulted in a number of decisive naval victories, his best known victory having been at the Battle of Trafalgar, where he met his timely death.
Nelson's death at Trafalgar secured his position as one of Britain's most heroic figures and out of the many monuments created in his memory, Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square remains one of the most recognised memories.
Nelson’s Trafalgar coat is on display in Maritime London at the Maritime Museum in Greenwich.
His coat has been on public display for over 150 years. You can see the hole where Nelson was shot, blood stains, the lot.
This display also explores Nelson's story from his battles, the Battle of Trafalgar, his death, funeral and commemoration in the capital. Visitors can see and read all about his life and death and there are objects, paintings and manuscripts.
When Nelson died, his body was placed in a cask of brandy mixed with camphor and myrrh.
Nelson's corpse was taken to Greenwich and placed in a lead coffin.
He lay in state in the Painted Hall at Greenwich for three days, before being taken up river aboard a barge, and his funeral was held in St Paul's Cathedral.
If you visit Greenwich, visit the Old Royal Naval College where both the Chapel and Painted Hall are situated. You'll find a inscription where the body of Lord Nelson lay in state in 1806.
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