Horatio Nelson

Date of Birth: 29 September 1758

Zodiac Sign: Unknown

Date of Death: 21 October 1805

Biography

Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805), was a British flag officer in the Royal Navy known for his inspirational leadership and superb grasp of strategy and unconventional tactics, which resulted in a number of decisive British naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was born in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, England, the sixth of eleven children. Nelson joined the navy at the age of 12 and rapidly rose through the ranks. He was noted for his action during the Battle of the Nile, the Battle of Copenhagen, and, most famously, the Battle of Trafalgar, where he secured a decisive victory against the combined fleets of France and Spain but was mortally wounded.

5 Interesting Facts about Horatio Nelson

1. Horatio Nelson lost his right arm during the unsuccessful assault on Santa Cruz de Tenerife in 1797.

2. He was awarded the title Duke of Bronté by King Ferdinand of Naples in 1799 for his services.

3. Nelson famously ignored an order to retreat at the Battle of Copenhagen by holding his telescope to his blind eye and claiming he couldn’t see the signal.

4. The phrase “England expects that every man will do his duty” was signalled from his ship HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.

5. Nelson’s Column in Trafalgar Square, London, was erected to commemorate his victory and death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Horatio Nelson

1. “I am of the opinion that the boldest measures are the safest.”

2. “I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor.”

3. “Thank God I have done my duty.”

4. “Desperate affairs require desperate measures.”

5. “No captain can do very wrong if he places his ship alongside that of the enemy.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Nelson’s financial situation was modest by the standards of his time. His highest net worth was likely £60,000 (equivalent to around £5 million today), accumulated through prize money and royal grants.