Born: 29 September 1758 · Died: 21 October 1805 · Age: 47
naval victories at the Nile and Trafalgar that secured British maritime supremacy during the Napoleonic Wars and made him a national hero
Quick facts
Date of birth29 September 1758
Date of death21 October 1805
Age at death47
NationalityBritish
BirthplaceBurnham Thorpe, United Kingdom
Editor's Take:
Nelson's genius lay in unconventional tactics that shattered naval orthodoxy. His career arc reveals stark contrasts: tactical brilliance alongside personal scandal, particularly his affair with Emma Hamilton that damaged his reputation. The loss of an eye in Corsica and his right arm at Tenerife never diminished his effectiveness. His signal before Trafalgar captured the essence of duty that defined him. Death in his greatest triumph cemented mythic status. Named among the hundred Greatest Britons in 2002, Nelson remains the benchmark by which all admirals are measured.
Key Milestones
1771: Began naval career under uncle Maurice Suckling
1797: Lost right arm at Santa Cruz de Tenerife
1801: Defeated Danish fleet at Battle of Copenhagen
1805: Killed at Trafalgar after securing decisive victory
Vice-Admiral of the White Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British Royal Navy officer whose leadership, grasp of strategy and unconventional tactics led to multiple decisive British naval victories during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.
Horatio Nelson's birthday is September 29. He was born on September 29, 1758 in Burnham Thorpe, United Kingdom.
How old was Horatio Nelson when he died?
Horatio Nelson died on October 21, 1805, aged 47.
Who shares a birthday with Horatio Nelson?
Famous people who share Horatio Nelson's September 29 birthday include Miguel de Cervantes, Lech Wałęsa, Enrico Fermi, Silvio Berlusconi and Michelle Bachelet.
