Nelson, Navy, Nation

Imaginative new gallery at the National Maritime Museum looking at the life and death of Nelson and putting him into the context of the history of the time and life in the navy.

I was fond of the old Nelson gallery and was a bit worried that the new one might be too themed and loose the story of Nelson himself but it strikes a really good balance. It takes you through his life explaining the political situation at the time and what life would have been like for officers and men in the navy at the time.

The gallery had a logical way through but felt slightly meandering with vistas through the exhibits as if you were discovering things for yourself. I loved the fact the floor was planked like a ship and that pride of place was given to Nelson’s uniform complete with bullet hole.

 

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