Nelson , Horatio , 1758-1805 , 1st Viscount Nelson of the Nile and Burnham Thorpe , Vice-Admiral

Horatio Nelson was born in Norfolk and educated there before going to sea in 1771, aged 12. By the age of 21 he had served on board ship in many parts of the globe and risen through the ranks to captain. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in 1797 and Vice Admiral in 1801 and commanded during many naval battles; however, his name is most associated with the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) during which he was killed. He married Frances Herbert Nisbet in 1787 but is better known for his love affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton, which lasted from 1793 until his death. Nelson was knighted in 1797, created a baron in 1798, and created a viscount in 1801. He is commemorated by Nelson's column in Trafalgar Square, London, and other monuments in the UK and elswhere.