2-798-638 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The waistcoat worn by Nelson, at the Battle of Trafalgar, 1845. Part of the bloodstained uniform of Admiral Horatio Nelson who was killed during the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson's waistcoat and jacket were bought by Prince Albert, who '...desired that the purchase might be made for himself, as he should feel "pride and pleasure" in presenting the precious memorials to Greenwich Hospital. Sir Harris Nicolas took them to the Royal purchaser...and we understand that the Prince manifested a very fine feeling on the occasion. There is kind and generous wisdom in this act; for nothing could so help to identify the Queen's husband with the British people as such little tributes to their maritime pride'. From "Illustrated London News", 1845, Vol VII.