Place Name
One of the very many London streets commemorating the heroic victor at the Battle of Trafalgar. This was originally called Nelson Street in honour of Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté (September 29, 1758 – October 21, 1805), but was changed to avoid confusion with other streets that shared the name. Nelson scored a number of decisive British naval victories, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. Born into a Norfolk family he proved himself a brilliant seaman showing inspirational leadership combined with unconventional tactics, including at the Battle of Nile. He was killed, aged 47, when as commander-in-chief of the Mediterranean Fleet on board the flagship HMS Victory he was shot by a French marksman during the Battle of Trafalgar near the Spanish port city of Cádiz. His success in destroying the French fleet allowed Britain to become the world’s largest sea power for 100 years making it the most important sea battle of the 19thCentury.
