Menu
21/10/2005
Britain celebrates Trafalgar bicentenary
Britain is marking the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar with a series of events across the country.
More than 6,000 events are planned to take place throughout the UK over the weekend, to mark the Royal Navy victory over the combined Spanish and France fleets on October 21, 1805.
At 12pm BST on Friday, bells rang out around the world to mark the moment Lord Nelson, who died during the battle, first engaged the enemy fleet.
First Sea Lord, Sir Alan West, laid a wreath at Nelson’s tomb in St Paul’s Cathedral, while Second Sea Lord, Sir James Burnell-Nugent, laid wreaths on board the HMS Victory – one on the deck and another below deck, on the spot where Lord Nelson is believed to have died.
Later on Friday, the Queen will light the first of 1,000 beacons to be lit around the country, beside the Victory, before attending a dinner on board the ship.
The 1805 Battle of Trafalgar is deemed to be one of the decisive battles in British naval history.
It marked the end of Napoleon’s plans to invade Britain and established Britain’s supremacy at sea, blockading the French fleet and enabling troops to be landed and supported during the Peninsular campaign.
Low-key commemorations of the battle are also taking place in France and Spain.
(KMcA/SP)
More than 6,000 events are planned to take place throughout the UK over the weekend, to mark the Royal Navy victory over the combined Spanish and France fleets on October 21, 1805.
At 12pm BST on Friday, bells rang out around the world to mark the moment Lord Nelson, who died during the battle, first engaged the enemy fleet.
First Sea Lord, Sir Alan West, laid a wreath at Nelson’s tomb in St Paul’s Cathedral, while Second Sea Lord, Sir James Burnell-Nugent, laid wreaths on board the HMS Victory – one on the deck and another below deck, on the spot where Lord Nelson is believed to have died.
Later on Friday, the Queen will light the first of 1,000 beacons to be lit around the country, beside the Victory, before attending a dinner on board the ship.
The 1805 Battle of Trafalgar is deemed to be one of the decisive battles in British naval history.
It marked the end of Napoleon’s plans to invade Britain and established Britain’s supremacy at sea, blockading the French fleet and enabling troops to be landed and supported during the Peninsular campaign.
Low-key commemorations of the battle are also taking place in France and Spain.
(KMcA/SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
02 March 2010
Solider Shot Dead In Helmand
A British solider has been killed in a gun attack in the Afghan province of Helmand. The Ministry of Defence said the A Company trooper, with the 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES) died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin. He was part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group on patrol yesterday morning.
Solider Shot Dead In Helmand
A British solider has been killed in a gun attack in the Afghan province of Helmand. The Ministry of Defence said the A Company trooper, with the 4th Battalion The Rifles (4 RIFLES) died as a result of small arms fire near Sangin. He was part of the 3 RIFLES Battle Group on patrol yesterday morning.
10 February 2010
Latest Afghan Fatalities Named
The Ministry of Defence has released the names of two men killed in Afghanistan's Helmand at the weekend, and the identity of a further fatality on Monday.
Latest Afghan Fatalities Named
The Ministry of Defence has released the names of two men killed in Afghanistan's Helmand at the weekend, and the identity of a further fatality on Monday.
04 January 2010
First Election Battle Cries Made
Britain's main political parties today sounded their first pre-election battle cries. The Tories pledged their utmost support for the NHS, making the health service its "number one priority". Conservative leader David Cameron said his party would reform maternity legislation to "meet mothers' needs".
First Election Battle Cries Made
Britain's main political parties today sounded their first pre-election battle cries. The Tories pledged their utmost support for the NHS, making the health service its "number one priority". Conservative leader David Cameron said his party would reform maternity legislation to "meet mothers' needs".
22 November 2004
Dixons pulls the plug on VCR sales
High Street electrical retailer Dixons has pulled the plug on the VCR, and announced today video recorders will disappear from its shelves before Christmas.
Dixons pulls the plug on VCR sales
High Street electrical retailer Dixons has pulled the plug on the VCR, and announced today video recorders will disappear from its shelves before Christmas.
11 January 2010
Brown Gears Up Team For Election
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to sound a battle cry to Labour MPs telling them the General Election is winnable. Senior Cabinet figures have stressed broad unity following a failed leadership coup last week.
Brown Gears Up Team For Election
Prime Minister Gordon Brown is to sound a battle cry to Labour MPs telling them the General Election is winnable. Senior Cabinet figures have stressed broad unity following a failed leadership coup last week.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 7 °C.
