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The English Historical Review 2006 CXXI(490):162-182; doi:10.1093/ehr/cej006
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© The Author [2006]. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved.

Nelson's Grand National Obsequies

Laurence Brockliss

Magdalen College, Oxford

John Cardwell

University of Oxford

Michael Moss

University of Glasgow

Nelson's lying in state and funeral that took place between 6 and 9 January 1806 was elaborate, well planned and expensive. It was modelled on the celebrations for the recovery of George III from his first bout of madness on St George's day 1789, with, as the Lord Chamberlain put it, the coffin in the place of their majesties. After the defeat of the allies at Austerlitz, it was essential to stage a great patriotic event that bridged the confessional and national divides. The huge military presence gave confidence to the crowd and served as a deterrent to the French. The burial in St Paul's confirmed the intimate connection between the city, the sea and the navy. The presence of Highland soldiers in the cathedral during the service symbolised the inclusive British state. Nelson's personal life and his bequest of Lady Hamilton to the nation was an obstacle that had to be carefully negotiated by eulogizing the manner of his death to prevent Evangelical opposition. The funeral connects with other events both before and after that exploited self-consciously communal patriotism to reinforce the new United Kingdom under the House of Hanover.


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