Nelson and Birmingham

[Vivienne14]

In the 1856 biography of the philantropist George Mogridge ("His Life, Character and Writings" by Rev. Charles Williams) an account is recorded about Nelson's visit to Birmingham. There's a touching story of the effect the visit had on one man named Hewson. It starts :

"There was great excitement when "the hero of the Nile" ......... arrived on a visit to Birmingham" .........



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Viv.

 

[paul stacey]

Great reading Viv, from a time when to be English, was to be among the greatest on earth, especially when led by hero's such as Nelson, now look what we have become, even unable to mention our heritage on offical forms.
paul

 

[Vivienne14]

Hi Paul. You might also enjoy this account of Lord Nelson's visit to Birmingham ( I think in 1802). It's from "The life of the Right Honourable Horatio Lord Viscount Nelson" by Mr Harrison in 1806. What is interesting is how many places he and Lady Hamilton visited in their short time in Birmingham. They stayed at Styles's Hotel - think this would have been Temple Row - and they even visited Mr Boulton in his sickbed! Also interesting is the number of titles conferred on him on the front cover of Harrison's book. I think the description he gives of the visit clearly shows how respected Nelson was, almost to the point of frenzy. Lots of bell ringing and celebration. Must have been very exciting. Viv.

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[Vivienne14]

Theres a Birmingham Civic Society plaque to commemorate Nelson's Birmingham visit in 1802 accompanied by Emma and Sir William Hamilton.

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On this occasion he stood in the main street and drank a toast: "Success to the town and trade of Birmingham and prosperity to its inhabitants". I get a sense that he certainly valued the industry of Birmingham. And there was clearly adoration for him; his visit sounds similar to a royal visit:

"They visited the makers of buttons and buckles, swords & whips, japanned ware & pins, sash window frames and stained glass. They went to The Theatre Royal, to Birmingham’s first museum on New Street and the Blue Coat Charity school" (Source https://www.royalnavy.mod.uk/news-and-latest-activity/news/2013/november/06/131106-foward-march )

They visited the Soho Manufactory. Matthew Boulton, a long time friend of Sir William, was ill at the time so they visited his bedside. They must therefore have also visited Soho House in Handsworth.

Emma Hamilton touchingly wrote after the visit "I will never forget Birmingham and it's dear, dear people"

Viv.

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[Vivienne14]

More about the 1802 visit and reference to Edward Gill's book for those interested.


Source : British Newspaper Archive