Gezicht op Trafalgar Square met Nelson's Column (1870 - 1888) by Poulton, Samuel E.Rijksmuseum
Today we're looking for a monument dedicated to one of England's national heroes: Nelson's Column, built between 1840 and 1843 to commemorate Admiral Horatio Nelson, who died in 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar.
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Nelson's Column is found in central London, in front of the National Gallery, within sight of Big Ben, and not far from the royal residence, Buckingham Palace - in fact, it's just at the other end of the road.
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We're at the opposite end of The Mall, looking towards Admiralty House. Now, where's Nelson? Point and click to explore.
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Nelson ho! If only we could get a better look, where's my telescope?
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…hmmm, we still can't see much, if only there was another way…
Lord Nelson (1853) by George BaxterLos Angeles County Museum of Art
George Baxter, Lord Nelson, 1853
Nelson joined the navy aged just 12, and rose rapidly through the ranks. At 17 came to command his own ship, HMS Badger. By 1797, he had been promoted to Rear Admiral of the Blue Squadron, and become a thorn in the side of Napoleon Bonaparte.
It wasn't all plain sailing. Nelson was wounded numerous times throughout his career, he was blinded in Corsica and lost an arm in Santa Cruz. In 1805, while fighting against the French Navy at the Battle of Trafalgar, he was shot by a sharp shooter.
The Death of Nelson (1806) by Benjamin WestWalker Art Gallery, Liverpool
Benjamin West, The Death of Nelson, 1806
Nelson fell to the deck as the battle carried on raging about him. He was dying, but held onto life just long enough to see the day won. When King George III heard the news it's claimed he said, "We have lost more than we have gained".
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Thanks for joining today's scavenger hunt. Don't forget to get a photo with the famous lions, and why not take a wander around central London? There's many more monuments to see.
