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Nelson's Funeral Procession by Water from Greenwich. |
A large flotilla was assembled, including barges owned by the City Livery Companies. They were resplendent with their carved and gilded decorations and colourful banners.
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A fanciful view of the funeral barge which conveyed Nelson's body from Greenwich to Whitehall, 8 January 1806. |
Nelson's coffin was placed in one of the royal barges, originally made for King Charles II.
Its gilding and paint were shrouded in black velvet. A large canopy erected over the stern was surmounted by black ostrich feathers.
Slowly, the long line advanced up the river. The escorting vessel's fired their guns to mark the barge's passage.
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Nelson's funeral procession on the Thames, January 1806. |
After passing through London, the procession arrived at Whitehall Stairs, near Westminster.
The coffin was unloaded and taken to the Admiralty, where it lay overnight.