Horatio Nelson

Nelson, Horatio (1758–1805), British naval hero who defeated the French and Spanish fleets at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805). His destruction of the French fleet off Aboukir (1798) brought him fame. The scandal of his liaison with Emma, Lady Hamilton, was dispelled by his defeat of the Danes at Copenhagen (1801). The victory at Trafalgar cost Nelson his life, but ensured British naval supremacy for 100 years.

See also: Trafalgar, Battle of.