Nelson in his own words

These intimate letters and documents are displayed for the first time; few have been seen or published before.

They are fragile survivors which give a unique insight into Vice-Admiral Nelson’s life and preoccupations.

The letters were written in turbulent and troubled years at the peak of Nelson’s fame: from the breaking news of the Battle of the Nile, through his relationship with Emma Hamilton to just a few days before his death at Trafalgar.

Nelson wrote the letters in multiple places and situations. They might have been sent from the middle of the Atlantic or the Mediterranean; they might have been written when rushing to get his furniture onboard HMS Victory or when chasing the French Fleet.

We can imagine them being signed and sealed, despatched by boat, carried by ship and coach to the tables of his friends and family

See the original letters Museum Letter and Transcription Interactive

Please note the interactive website will only work well on screens that are 1920px by 1080px or above.