The gallery tells the story of the Royal Navy and the British people, from the Glorious Revolution of 1688 to the defeat of Napoleon in 1815. From bustling dockyards to ferocious sea battles, it brings to life the tumultuous 18th century, exploring how the Royal Navy shaped everyday lives as it became a central part of society and turned sea-faring heroes into national celebrities.

Discover what made men join up, how they lived and what kept them in line, and how the Navy loomed large in all areas of the popular imagination, from caricatures to keepsakes and collectables.

In Nelson, Navy, Nation you can also see personal items belonging to Nelson and weird and wonderful Nelson memorabilia, along with 250 other star objects from the Museum’s collections, from a sailor’s shoes, worn to impress on shore leave, to an amputation knife and bullet forceps.





Find out more

We hold several thousand items in our collections relating to Horatio Nelson and his life, relationships, battles and legacy.

Read more about Nelson's life and legacy

View the Museum's Nelson collection online