Horatio Nelson Facts for Kids

Horatio Nelson

Horatio Nelson (born September 29, 1758 – died October 21, 1805) was a famous English sea captain in the Royal Navy. He is known as one of Britain's greatest naval heroes.

Nelson led the British fleet during the Napoleonic Wars. In these wars, Britain fought against French and Spanish forces. Nelson was hurt in battle and lost sight in one eye. He was killed by a French sniper during his most famous victory, the Battle of Trafalgar.

Nelson's Last Words

Many people have wondered about Nelson's last words. There are a few different stories about what he said as he was dying.

One well-known version of his last words is, "Kiss me, Hardy." This was said to Captain Thomas Hardy, a close friend.

Another statement he made was, "Thank God I have done my duty." This shows how important his job was to him.

Some stories combine these, saying he first asked Hardy for a kiss. After Hardy kissed him, Nelson said, "Now I am satisfied. Thank God I have done my duty." Hardy then kissed his forehead. Nelson asked who it was, and Hardy replied, "It is Hardy." Nelson then said, "God bless you, Hardy." He also asked those around him to look after Emma Hamilton and his daughter.

More recent accounts from his chaplain, Alexander Scott, and others, mention him asking for comfort. He said, "Drink, drink. Fan, fan. Rub, rub." This was to help with his thirst, heat, and pain from his wounds.

Scott, who stayed with Nelson until the end, wrote that his final words were 'God and my country'.

Images for kids

The site of the rectory in Burnham Thorpe where Nelson was born in 1758
Captain Horatio Nelson, painted by John Francis Rigaud in 1781, with Fort San Juan – the scene of his most notable achievement up to that point – in the background. The painting itself was begun and nearly finished prior to the battle, when Nelson held the rank of lieutenant; when Nelson returned, the artist added the new captain's gold-braided sleeves.
Nelson's wife, Lady Nelson, formerly Frances "Fanny" Nisbet of the island of Nevis, West Indies. A painting of the British school, circa 1800, formerly attributed to Richard Cosway, from an earlier copy.
The fight of the Ça Ira
Nelson receives the surrender of the San Nicholas, an 1806 portrait by Richard Westall
Nelson wounded during the Battle of Santa Cruz de Tenerife; 1806 painting by Richard Westall
Battle of the Nile, 1 August 1798 at 10 pm, painting by Thomas Luny, 1834
Lady Hamilton as either a bacchante or Ariadne, by Élisabeth Louise Vigée Le Brun, c. 1790; a painting owned by Nelson, which hung above his bed until his death
The Battle of the Malta convoy
Emma Hamilton in an 1800 portrait owned by Nelson
An antique photograph of a portrait of Horatia Ward (née Nelson) from the Style/Ward Family collection; Horatia was the daughter of Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton.
The Battle of Copenhagen, 2 April 1801, by Nicholas Pocock (National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London). Nelson's fleet exchanges fire with the Danes, with the city of Copenhagen in the background
This glass was one of a set commissioned by Lord Nelson to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Copenhagen
Admiral Sir Robert Calder's action off Cape Finisterre, 23 July 1805, by William Anderson (National Maritime Museum, Greenwich)
The Battle of Trafalgar by J. M. W. Turner (oil on canvas, 1822–1824) shows the last three letters of the signal, "England expects that every man will do his duty" flying from Victory
The Death of Nelson by Daniel Maclise (Houses of Parliament, London)
Print of the royal barge carrying Nelson's body
Nelson's coffin in the crossing of St Paul's, during the funeral service; the dome hung with captured French and Spanish flags
The sarcophagus of Nelson in the crypt of St Paul's
Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London
Contemporary drawing of Nelson's heraldic achievement before the Battle of Trafalgar.

Horatio Nelson facts for kids

Nelson's Last Words

Images for kids

See also