Welsh
twist for Nelson's secret love triangle revealed
A
Welsh twist to one of the most sensational love triangles in history
is revealed in full this weekend in a new 大象传媒 Radio Wales programme,
Horatio.
Documenting
Horatio Nelson's 1802 holiday - the last he ever took before his
death at Trafalgar in 1805 - the programme tracks Britain's greatest-loved
military hero to Milford Haven with his beautiful young mistress
Emma Hamilton and her 71-year-old husband, Sir William.
Marking
the 200 year anniversary since the six-week coach and horses trip
from London, Horatio reveals details pieced together from Nelson's
meticulous records of expenditure.
"It
was a travelling triangle, really," explains the programme's
writer and presenter Trevor Fishlock.
"Nelson
and Sir William were great friends, but Emma had been Nelson's lover
for about two years, and they'd had a child together, Horatia.
"But
it's thought that Sir William knew about the affair and the baby,
but disregarded it - he was a great admirer of Nelson's, and regarded
him as a substitute son.
"They
thought it was a secret, but in fact they were jeered at among the
upper classes even though the general public took Nelson at face
value - a hero who could do no wrong."
Among
other evidence, the two-part documentary discovers a two shilling
and sixpence payment for entertainment from a Welsh ventriloquist,
and also details a mixed welcome in Wales for the travelling trio.
"Nelson
was really the first celebrity," says Trevor Fishlock.
"With
the technology of the day, there were mugs, vases and portraits
of him, so his face was very well known."
But
he says they
were not admired everywhere: "Although they had a great reception
in Monmouth and Milford Haven, they were snubbed by the Vicar of
Carmarthen, who was very snooty about them."
The
programme explores other long-buried mysteries from Nelson's story
of passion, including the poignant reasons for choosing Milford
Haven as a holiday destination, why the three stopped at Merthyr
Tydfil and what happened to Horatia, the illegitimate daughter.
Notes
to Editors
Horatio
is made by Torpedo for 大象传媒 Wales.
Horatio,
Sunday 15 September, Radio Wales, Noon; repeated
Thursday 19 September, Radio Wales, 6.00pm.
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