Horatio Nelson: a lock of his hair

Horatio Nelson: a lock of his hair, held in a double glazed heart shaped locket with yellow metal frame, accompanied by a letter from Horatia Ward (the child of his union with Emma Hamilton), to a supporter, and another from her husband, the Reverend Philip Ward.

The illustrious Vice-Admiral Horatio Lord Nelson was struck down by a French musket ball at during the battle of Trafalgar, 21st October 1805, and died at the height of his powers, even as the loyal and courageous men under his command were setting the seal on the last of his dazzling victories over Britain's enemies at sea. After the custom of the time his hair was cut, and conveyed to his great romantic match Emma, Lady Hamilton. Throughout the remainder of her troubled life she depended heavily on the assistance of well wishers, and she bestowed small locks of her beloved paladin's hair on such favoured friends. Their love child Horatia eventually secured a stable and happy marriage to the Reverend Philip Ward, but continued the practice as she strove for recognition as the daughter of the great Naval hero.