Osterley Park, London
Following the death of Lord
Nelson at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, Vice-Admiral Collingwood
succeeded him as Commander-in-Chief of the victorious fleet. Adverse weather
conditions meant that he could not send off his first Dispatch to London,
reporting the British victory and the death of Nelson, until 26 October. The
Dispatch was entrusted to the care of Lieutenant Lapenotiere, commanding HM
schooner Pickle. His orders were to deliver the Dispatch to William Marsden,
Secretary of the Navy, at Admiralty House in London, as soon as he was able. He
put into Falmouth on 4 November, landing at Fishstrand Quay about midday. He set
off by post-chaise shortly after and delivered the Dispatch to William Marsden
thirty-six hours later, on 6 November, after a journey of about 271 miles and
involving twenty-one changes of horses.
In 2005, the Lieutenant's journey was recreated in this 200th anniversary year by The New Trafalgar Dispatch. EventPlan was asked to provide a small Guard of Honour and two or three Regency civilians to help "populate" the London Borough of Hounslow's reception as the actor playing Lapenotiere arrived at Osterley House. It was a very pleasant occasion that was enjoyed by all, including the Lord Lieutenant of London, the Mayor of Hounslow, numerous other guests and National Trust members who were visiting at the time.
Click for a couple more pictures
A brief history of re-enactment
Interested in how and why re-enactment has become so popular in recent years? Click on the link to read a history of re-enactment.
Events 2006
Click here for details of many other historical events organised by EventPlan this year.
Back to Events 2005
Links to EventPlan Home Page EventPlan News
3 February 2006