With support from the University of Richmond

History News Network

History News Network puts current events into historical perspective. Subscribe to our newsletter for new perspectives on the ways history continues to resonate in the present. Explore our archive of thousands of original op-eds and curated stories from around the web. Join us to learn more about the past, now.

How Lord Nelson kept his wife happy

With Lord Nelson's relationship with his mistress threatening his popularity in early 19th century England, it would have been wise to keep his wife financially happy.

A previously unseen copy of a bank statement suggests that is what he did. The document shows Lord Nelson wanted to maintain his wife in reasonable style, possibly to keep her quiet.

The two-page statement sent by the bankers Messers Marsh and Creed in the last quarter of 1802, shows that on Nov 3 he paid his estranged wife, Frances (Fanny), an annuity of £400, the equivalent of almost £30,000 today.

Lord Nelson left Frances in 1801 and set up with Emma Hamilton. His behaviour meant that he was shunned by high society.

Read entire article at Telegraph