The fears that came after Nelson’s death

Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar was partially his responsibility. Nelson chose to wear his entire uniform and all of his medals during the combat, which made him quite visible to a French sniper.

Captain Thomas Hardy, a subordinate of Nelson's, saw that he was hurt and carried him below decks. Nelson reportedly said, "Kiss me, Hardy," knowing that he was going to die. Captain Hardy then kissed Nelson on the cheek.

William Beatty, Walter Burke, and Chaplain Alexander Scott were present for this event, which is captured in Arthur William Devis' 1805 painting "The Death of Nelson."

There were worries that Nelson's remains might decompose on the boat returning to England after he died at the Battle of Trafalgar. In the end, his body was transported as far as Gibraltar in a brandy cask.

The cast of the Victory was the last to the mast and was under a marine's protection. Nelson's body was transformed into a spirit for the trip back to London after arriving in Gibraltar. His face had to be covered when the body arrived in Greenwich because, by the time the swelling had subsided, it was impossible to identify.