Lord Horatio Nelson Trivia Quiz

Answer: HMS Hinchinbrook

The American War of Independence had started, so Nelson sailed to America where he captured several American ships and later took part in attempts to capture the Spanish colonies in Central America.

Answer: Frances "Fanny" Nisbet

Frances looked after Nelson's father while he was at sea. Following a very public affair, Nelson became estranged from her and refused all contact with her. Frances however, remained loyal to him even after his death.

Answer: The navy no longer needed so many ships

The end of the American War of Independence meant that the navy had more ships than it required and his services were no longer required.

Answer: The French Revolutionary Wars had started

The French Revolution had threatened the security of Britain and ships needing a Captain were brought out of 'moth balls'. France declared war on England within weeks of his appointment.

Answer: Corsica

Admiral Hood, who had taken on the role of mentor to Nelson, needed a base to help in the blockade of Toulon. Corsican nationalists were prepared to help him in exchange for help in ejecting French garrisons at Calvi, Bastia and San Fiorenzo.

Answer: Cape St. Vincent

In February 1797, Nelson had been given command of the 74-gun HMS Captain and found himself at the rear of a line of British ships attacking a Spanish fleet at Cape St. Vincent, just off the Portuguese coast. He disobeyed orders and attacked the end of the Spanish fleet which consisted of 3 ships, the 112-gun San Josef, the 80-gun San Nicolas and the 130-gun Santísima Trinidad. HMS Culloden came to his assistance but was severely damaged. Nelson eventually emerged victorious, Admiral Jervis, the commander of the British did not reprimand Nelson or include his wrong-doings in Admiralty reports. Privately he praised Nelson in fact .

Answer: He lost his right arm after being shot

Nelson was actually leading a landing party when he was shot in the right arm by the Spanish defences who were well prepared for the attack. The battle was eventually lost.

Answer: Emma Hamilton

Emma was the wife of the British Ambassador to the Kingdom of Naples. She had met him five years earlier when Nelson had last been in Naples and was immediately attracted to this naval hero and took it on herself to nurse him back to health. They fell in love and started an affair which is still well known today.

Answer: To Turn a Blind Eye

The signal from Admiral Parker to discontinue the action was sent to Nelson by using signal flags. The smoke of battle was so thick, all Parker could see was three British ships flying distress flags. He knew that Nelson could not withdraw without an order to that effect.

He also knew Nelson would not do so if he was able to continue the fight. Nelson raised his telescope to read the signal, but raised it to his blind eye, remarking that he could not see the signal. The phrase was born.

Answer: Battle of Trafalgar

Admiral Nelson had a fleet of 27 ships when he was faced with a combined fleet of 33 Spanish and French ships near Cape Trafalgar in Spain. He launched his attack on 21st October 1805, from his flagship HMS Victory which came under heavy fire. Nelson was shot by a bullet which passed through his left shoulder, then through his 6th and 7th thoracic vertebra, coming to a stop near his right shoulder.

He died three hours later after victory was assured.