Radstock grave secret link to one of the greatest naval commanders in history

By Susie Watkins

10th Sep 2023 | Local History

One of the most celebrated military strategists of all time - and a renowned lover too - but did you know this famous man had a connection to Radstock?

As Nub News has previously reported, but a fact which is still little known, Admiral Horatio Nelson, he of the kiss me Hardy line, fathered an illegitimate daughter.

Horatia Nelson Ward (1801-1881) was the only surviving daughter from his liaison with his secret lover Lady Emma Hamilton and scandal, the pair were both married to other people at the time.

Horatia went on to have ten children and the eldest son became a rector in Radstock for 35 years and his grave is in the church graveyard of St Nicholas.

Horatio Nelson Ward served the church community for several decades and was rector of the church from 1853-1888 . He also has a plaque in the church itself, although he did not have any connection to Radstock and was actually born at Burnham in Norfolk on the 8th of December 1822 and died March 13, 1888.

You can find out more about the family at the award-winning Radstock Museum.

Horatio Ward Nelson's grave lies in Pinner while to this day, as history books will continue to attest, Nelson is still widely regarded as one of the greatest naval commanders in history.

Although his illegitimate daughter was handed over to a nursemaid to raise, he later adopted her and on the actual morning of the Battle of Trafalgar he added her to his will, witnessed by Thomas Hardy, and said of her : "I desire she will use in future the name of Nelson only."

     

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