Nelson's mounting stone, St. Mary's churchyard, Merton
Area | Merton Park |
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Copyright 1 | London Borough of Merton |
Picture Reference | MerMor_Nelson_1-3 |
Original Format | News clipping |
Notes / History | Between 1801 and his death in 1805, Admiral Lord Nelson shared a Merton villa with his lover Emma Hamilton, her elderly husband Sir William ( who died in 1803 ) and members of their extended family. A devout Christian, Nelson regularly made the horse ride from his home at Merton Place, to worship at St. Mary's Parish Church, Merton. His wooden pew still has pride of place in the chancel and his funerary hatchment still hangs below the roof line. This stone, once situated at the edge of the churchyard, is said to have been used as step a to help the Admiral to climb into the saddle, for the homeward journey. |