10/01/2026
A 220-year-old seating plan 🪑
The funeral of Viscount Horatio Nelson (1758-1805) took place 220 years ago today. Nelson was a popular ‘hero-Admiral’ remembered for his role in the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) against Napoleon’s forces, at which he was fatally wounded.
His funeral, which took place more than two months after his death, was one of the grandest in history, lasting five days.
This plan shows the elaborate arrangement of banners, trophies, and heraldic emblems surrounding Nelson’s coffin at his state funeral in St Paul’s Cathedral.
The seating plan was created by the Lord Chamberlain and senior officers of the royal household. More than 15,000 people came to pay their respects, including The Prince of Wales, Admiral of the Fleet Sir Peter Parker, and members of Nelson’s family. Ordinary seamen chosen from the crew of Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory, were also allowed to accompany the coffin, carrying the ship’s battle ensigns.
Every year, St Paul’s Cathedral continues to honour Nelson with a special Sea Service on the Sunday closest to Trafalgar Day, when wreaths are laid at his tomb.
Catalogue reference: LC 2/40
