HMS Victory's fame is understandably thought of in terms of that fateful afternoon at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, when Vice-Admiral Nelson was struck down on her deck – having both secured the victory that would see Great Britain's dominance at sea for more than a century to follow and sealed that moment in history when man and ship became enshrined into Britain's national conscience. However, there is much more to Victory than meets the eye.
Twenty two objects are on loan from the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich including two impressive models of Victory showing the changes in her construction, a stunning decorative sword, original letters and plans, plus what is thought to be one of the earliest known representations identified as Victory at the head of the Fleet.
Generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection is the Nelson Bullet; the single lead musket ball which dealt the fatal blow on October 21st 1805 – mounted, with some remnants of gold lace from Admiral Nelson's uniform.
For more information here is the wesite of The Historic Dockyard Chatham
Langue(s) : English