Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson is the hero of many young sailors. Renowned for courage and seamanship, plus being rather good at winning battles, he’s celebrated by Nelson’s Column, a majestic statue at the centre point of London’s Trafalgar Square. Long before such accolades, Nelson grew up in the quiet landscapes of North Norfolk. His father was the Parson for Burnham Thorpe, still peaceful, unspoilt village. Young Nelson learned to sail on the Norfolk Coast at Burnham Overy Staithe near Holkham, a beautiful place for an autumn stroll.
Nelson was proud to be from Norfolk. Following his famous victory at the Nile in 1798 he told a cheering crowd at Great Yarmouth ‘I am myself a Norfolk man and I glory in being so’.
The parsonage where Nelson grew up is long gone, demolished in 1803, but the 13th century church where Nelson’s father was parson for 48 years is still there, restored in honour of the local hero with unique permission to fly the white pre-ensign flag from the tower. Look for the Nelson’s medicine chest, the font where Nelson was baptised, and the graves of his parents and siblings. It’s said that wood from HMS Victory was used for the altar, rood and lectern, donated by the Admiralty.
Finally, the Lord Nelson pub is a must. Once called The Plough, Nelson knew it well and many original features remain, including worn flagstones the great man would have crossed on his way for a pint of ale.
