Nelson: a life of heroism and scandal

Dominic Sandbrook revisits the life of the naval hero who led the British fleet to victory at Trafalgar, but whose torrid affair scandalised Georgian society

Published: November 15, 2024 at 7:00 AM

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Nelson is one of the most well-known historical figures from British history. His leadership of the British fleet to victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, and his death in the same battle, rendered him a national hero for generations. However, Nelson was also embroiled in a huge scandal during his lifetime, due his passionate affair with Lady Emma Hamilton, and recently questions have been raised about his attitude towards slavery and the slave trade.

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Historian and co-host of The Rest is History podcast, Dominic Sandbrook has written a book for children about the life of Nelson as part of his Adventures in Time series. Here, he discusses the complexities of the man, and the challenges of writing history for young people, with David Musgrove.

(Ad) Dominic Sandbrook is the author of Nelson: Hero of the Seas (Particular Books, 2024).

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Authors

Dr David Musgrove, FSAContent director

David Musgrove is the content director at HistoryExtra

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