An accurate view from the house of W. Tunnard Esq on the Bankside, adjoining the site of Shakespeare's Theatre - on Wednesday the 8th January 1806; when the remains of the great Admiral Lord Nelson were brought from Greenwich to Whitehall.

An accurate view from the house of W. Tunnard Esq on the Bankside, adjoining the site of Shakespeare's Theatre - on Wednesday the 8th January 1806; when the remains of the great Admiral Lord Nelson were brought from Greenwich to Whitehall. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: PW4378

Description: Rear Admiral Nelson had already been widely celebrated after his defeat of the French at the Battle of Aboukir Bay in 1798, at a time when Britain badly needed something to celebrate. His death during the overwhelming victory over the combined French and Spanish fleets off Cape Trafalgar in 1805 ensured his immortality as a national hero. To underline his importance, the government of the day laid on a suitably lavish state funeral.

Creator: John Thomas Smith [artist, engraver & publisher]

Date: 15th Feb 1806

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London