Trafalgar Day gun marks anniversary at Fort Nelson

Trafalgar Day - marking one of Britain's greatest Naval victories - will be commemorated at Fort Nelson later this month with the firing of a 204-year-old gun, of the kind used on board HMS Victory in 1805.

A uniformed crew of sailors will fire the restored 12-pound gun at the Royal Armouries' fort near Fareham, on Sunday, October 18, as part of a two-day event to mark the great battle.

Trafalgar Day itself will be marked on Wednesday, October 21, when the gun will be fired again by Royal Armouries' staff.

The battle saw Nelson defeat the French and Spanish and masterminded his Victory from HMS Victory, now docked at nearby Portsmouth. It cost him his life and he died onboard after being hit by a French sniper's bullet. The victory at Trafalgar meant that Britain was safe from invasion and was the world's biggest naval power for many years.

As well as the gun firings at 12 noon and 3pm on both days, the Royal Armouries' team of resident actors will stage live performances, including an "eye witness account" recalling events during Nelson's last hours.

The 204th anniversary of the great battle has special significance for Fort Nelson, which sits high on Portsdown Hill overlooking Portsmouth Harbour.

Fort operations manager Mark Selwood said: "We enjoy marking the event as there are links between the Fort and Nelson as the fort was built to protect against possible invasion from the French and is named after him. The gun's carriage was painted in the colours of HMS Victory and is the type of artillery used on the top gun deck of the ship, so it is very possible that it has seen some action at Trafalgar.

"The battle saw Nelson spectacularly defeat the French and Spanish navies, removing the threat of possible invasion of Britain - so we have much to be thankful for."

Museum entry is free and there is a whole range of attractions throughout the day, designed to appeal to young and old alike.

Note to editors:

Reporters and photographers are welcome at the Trafalgar Day events - gun firings at 12 and 3pm by uniformed actors. Please contact Catherine Kelly/Joss Loader, Primary PR Ltd, telephone: 01903 783832, 07704 130226, 07838 379599.
E-mail: info@primarypr.co.uk

Notes for editors:
1. The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson houses the national collection of historic cannon and big guns. The museum houses one of the world's finest collections with over 350 cannon dating back over 600 years and from every corner of the earth. The collection originated from HM Tower of London and has been on display in Hampshire since 1995.
2. The Royal Armouries at Fort Nelson also tells the story of the Palmerston Forts, built to protect Portsmouth from a feared French invasion in the 1860's.
3. Every day, visitors can see one of the big guns fired in salute, watch our resident actors bring to life characters from 1,000 years of history, explore secret underground tunnels and enjoy incredible views from the ramparts. An extensive programme of special event spectaculars takes place throughout the year.
4. Fort Nelson is open every day except 24th, 25th & 26th December. April to October 10am -5pm (Wed 11am-5pm), November - March 10.30am - 4pm (Wed 11.30-4pm).
5. Admission to the Royal Armouries is FREE although admission charges apply to some events.
6. The fort's Powderkeg Café is open seven days a week offering home-cooked Hampshire fare.
7. Information line: 01329 233734
8. Website: www.royalarmouries.org
9. Email: fnenquiries@armouries.org.uk
10. The Royal Armouries is the national museum of arms and armour with sites at Fort Nelson, Leeds, HM Tower of London and Louisville, Kentucky, USA.