In 1802 Nelson was at the height of his popularity. In the previous year he had been created Viscount following his spectacular success in the Battle of Copenhagen. His men loved him and the public were wild with enthusiasm. In his personal life the curious menage-a-trois with the Hamiltons was well established, and in September of the previous year he had bought his beloved Merton Place, found for him by Emma. He had a beautiful -if illegitimate -eighteen month old daughter, Horatia, hidden away in London. In July 1802 Nelson and the Hamiltons decided to visit Sir William's estates in Milford Haven. Starting from Merton their journey there and back became something of a triumphal progress as they were feted at nearly every place they visited.

The start of Nelson's West Country tour was celebrated at St.Mary's on Saturday July 20th with the first of a series of events arranged by The 1805 Club in association with the Official Nelson Commemorations Committee. It took the form of a Salute in Words and Music to Horatio Nelson and the Hamiltons. The day started with a picnic in the glebe field. Apart from a good sprinkling of St.Mary's congregation, people came from far and wide, some appropriately dressed in eighteenth century costume. During the picnic, for which the weather remained fair, we were entertained with sea shanties and a display of military drill by a detachment from the TS Trafalgar Sea Cadet Corps. At 7.15 we were "summoned by bells" to move into the church. When all were seated Lord Nelson, with Emma at his side, entered solemnly, spoke a few words of welcome to the congregation and, with a brief, rueful glance at his hatchment, took his seat on Nelson's bench.

The entertainment comprised a succession of contemporary or near-contemporary songs and readings illustrating Nelson's relationships with his wife and Emma, Emma's characteristics, and the public reaction to Nelson's naval exploits, culminating -inevitably -in the death of Nelson. The final reading was a moving account of the funeral in St.Paul's cathedral by George Matcham. If the quality of the music was not always of the finest, no fault could be found with its execution, by Michael George (Bass Baritone), Julie Kennard (Soprano) and Gordon Pullin (Tenor), accompanied by Andrew Plant (Piano). The readings were delivered by Susan Meek and Colin White. The-whole was ably compered - by Richard Baker. When the entertainment drew to a close at 9.30 we moved into the church hall to enjoy a glass of wine whilst waiting for darkness to fall. The day closed with a splendid, and at times noisy, display of fireworks in the glebe field. If Nelson- were he to return -no longer found Merton such a paradise, he would doubtless have appreciated this aural reminder of his famous battles.

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