Forum Topic

Local history question

I read in a biography of Admiral Nelson that he and Emma Hamilton looked at a couple of houses in 1801, one in Turnham Green and the other in "nearby Chiswick".  Does anybody on here know which houses they were and if they still exist?

Peter John ● 2158d4 Comments

It is clear from an article by Peter Warwick (now sadly deceased) published in a 1995 newsletter of the 1805 Club that in the summer of 1801 Emma Hamilton went house hunting in Chiswick with Nelson's sister in law Sarah Nelson (Yonge). Nelson himself was with the Channel Fleet at sea anchored off the Down but was in close communication with the two ladies.  In July 1801 the two women decided on a place in Turnham Green and Nelson urged its purchase. "Buy the house in Turnham Green", he wrote from the MEDUSA on 4th August, 1801, but the deal fell through. They rejected a house in nearby Chiswick.I have no further information but will research further.

Thomas Samuel hearn ● 2158d

That's interesting.There is a Blue Plaque on either Bond Street or New Bond Street, I can't recall which, marking the fact Nelson lived there.I wonder if the two facts are directly related.

Adrian Irving ● 2158d

I used to work with Peter Warwick many years ago, and what a passion he had for Nelson and equally what a wonderful character he was too.

J Morse ● 2158d

Yes indeed.  It's also in Pocock's biography of Nelson.  Thanks.  Would be interesting to know.  I imagine the property they bought would have been fairly substantial, as the one they bought in Merton later cost £9,000.  This would presumably cut it down to a few manor houses.

Peter John ● 2157d