The Rest Is History – Episode 611: Nelson: Bonaparte Prepares to Strike (Part 4)

Date: October 22, 2025
Hosts: Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook

Overview

In this gripping episode, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their epic deep dive into the Napoleonic Wars, focusing on Nelson’s tense preparations as Napoleon Bonaparte begins to gather his strength for an invasion of Britain. Through vivid storytelling and sharp analysis, the hosts explore not just the military maneuvers and political intrigue of the early 1800s, but delve deeply into Nelson’s personal life, relationships, and state of mind. The discussion brings to life the period’s atmosphere of anxiety, patriotism, and drama, culminating with the dawn of the great chase that leads to Trafalgar.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Setting the Scene: Britain on the Brink (04:50–08:35)

• Context: The episode opens with a cinematic portrayal of Napoleon in Paris, reflecting on his rivalry with Nelson and his plans for Britain.
• Britain’s Mood: The post-Copenhagen Britain is described as exhausted, overtaxed, miserable, and deeply war-weary after eight years of conflict. A parallel is drawn between the invasion scares of the Napoleonic Wars and the British spirit of 1940, referencing Dunkirk and the threat of Nazi invasion.
• Political Change: Henry Addington becomes Prime Minister after William Pitt steps down over Catholic emancipation. Addington is seen as moderate, possibly open to compromise, but Napoleon’s intentions remain hostile and expansionist.

“If you think about the spirit of 1940… just imagine that in year after year during the Napoleonic Wars.” – Dominic (08:34)

2. Nelson’s New Role & the Sea Fencibles (08:36–12:35)

• Defensive Posture: Nelson is recalled and given command over the defense of the Thames and southern England’s coasts, but the work is defensive, unfamiliar, and unglamorous.
• The Sea Fencibles: Nelson’s defensive 'army' is a motley crew of old sailors, fishermen, and oystermen—termed “Dad’s Navy.” The group is derided for their lack of discipline, and many have wooden legs or little enthusiasm for service.

“The Sea Fencibles… looks like something out of a nursery rhyme. Went to sea in a pea green boat or something.” – Tom (10:15)
“A very large proportion… have only one leg… whenever we put to sea they all fall over as soon as they have to stable decks…” – Dominic (10:43)

• Nelson’s State: He is physically and emotionally depleted; dogged by fever, infection, and even seasickness—a cruel irony for a naval hero.

3. French Invasion Scares & Offensive Strategies (12:17–14:19)

• French Threat: Reports swirl of France mustering invasion forces, but Nelson, after aggressive raids (notably at Boulogne), becomes convinced Napoleon cannot successfully invade.
• Critical Error: Overconfidence leads Nelson to a disastrous second raid at Boulogne where nearly all men involved are casualties, including a young officer close to Nelson.

“If only I’d been there, it would have been completely different.” – Tom, paraphrasing Nelson post-disaster (13:36)

4. The Treaty of Amiens and the Illusion of Peace (15:01–17:18)

• Provisional Peace: Addington’s government signs a deal with France—Britain will give up Menorca and Malta, France withdraws from parts of Italy. Many, including Tories, suspect Bonaparte is only buying time.
• Nelson’s Reaction: Although proud of his blockade efforts, Nelson is exhausted and ready for a break, looking forward to domestic life with Emma Hamilton.

“Not a bad piece, all things considered.” – Nelson’s rare expression of satisfaction (16:36)

5. Nelson at Merton Place – Triumph and Turmoil at Home (17:18–26:52)

• Domestic Retreat: Nelson moves into Merton Place, with Emma Hamilton managing the household and spending liberally on renovations and self-promotion (“Nelson merch”).
• Financial Pressure: Nelson, only a baron and not rich, struggles to maintain the lifestyle expected of a national hero. Sir William Hamilton (Emma’s husband) is also financially troubled.
• Societal Scandal & Snobbery: Their unconventional ménage à trois scandalizes London society. The house becomes a shrine to Nelson and Emma, eliciting derision from figures like Lord Minto.

“The love she makes to him is not only ridiculous, but disgusting… the whole house… covered with nothing but pictures of her and him.” – Lord Minto (25:02)

• Isolation: Old friends like Cuthbert Collingwood avoid visiting, and Emma’s social ambitions are thwarted in class-conscious Britain.

6. The Fanny Nelson Campaign (28:45–32:49)

• Personal Tragedy: Nelson stonewalls Fanny’s attempts at reconciliation; following Nelson’s father Edmund’s death, Fanny is further isolated, though still supported by some friends like Thomas Hardy.
• Public Image: In response to personal turmoil, Nelson embarks on public tours cementing his status as a national hero—a kind of “rock star on tour.”

7. The Fragile Peace Breaks: Return to War (36:32–41:02)

• Napoleon’s Aggression: Napoleon continues his conquests in Italy and Switzerland; Britain refuses to give up Malta, citing French bad faith.
• End of Amiens: Britain issues an ultimatum; with no response, war is declared (May 1803). Pitt’s rousing speech frames the war as existential, directly invoking Churchillian themes.

“We are called to struggle for the destiny not of this country alone, but of the civilized world… for our property, our liberty, our independence, nay, for our existence.” – Tom quoting William Pitt (39:00)

• Nelson’s Orders: Upon the declaration of war, Nelson is appointed to command the Mediterranean fleet and is given the flagship HMS Victory.

8. The Blockade of Toulon: Boredom and Brilliance at Sea (43:44–52:16)

• Strategy: Nelson must contain the French fleet at Toulon, forcing a multi-year naval blockade in grueling conditions—no shore leave for two years.
• Leadership Style: Nelson’s charisma and care for his crew set him apart. Despite the stern discipline of Captain Hardy (“the Ghost” for his stealthy punishment of infractions), Nelson’s rapport with his men builds strong morale.

“To work with Nelson was to love him… his colleagues were his friends and he expected their love and loyalty, not mere service.” – Tom quoting Andrew Lambert (48:15)

• Logistical Genius: Nelson excels at sourcing food and supplies from far afield, ensuring the health of his men; his ships become models of discipline and wellness, vital for prolonging the blockade.

• Personal Vulnerability: Despite his administrative skill, Nelson’s health and spirits flag. He writes passionate, loving letters to Emma and Horatia, revealing his sentimentality and exhaustion.

“My love for you is as unbounded as the ocean.” – Nelson, in a letter to Emma (51:39)
“My dear child, receive this first letter from your most affectionate father.” – Nelson to Horatia (52:14)

9. The Great Atlantic Chase: French Gambits and British Fears (53:36–66:27)

• French and Spanish Maneuvers: Napoleon pressures his admirals into daring but impractical schemes to draw out the Royal Navy and support a possible invasion of Britain. Villeneuve and Gravina, the French and Spanish admirals, are reluctant and pessimistic.
• Napoleon’s Ambiguous Plans: Details of Napoleon’s shifting strategies (eight plans in 12 months), his lack of understanding of naval warfare, and the skepticism of his own commanders.
• The Chase: Villeneuve escapes Toulon, links with Gravina in Cádiz, heads for the Caribbean. Nelson, after desperate and exhausting pursuits, is always just behind, but manages to protect the British Caribbean colonies.
• Morale and Exhaustion: Nelson’s men are half-mutinous from fatigue, thirst, and deprivation; discipline wavers, but Nelson’s presence and example hold things together.

10. Closing in on Trafalgar: Final Movements (66:27–68:44)

• Return to Europe: After months at sea, Nelson sets foot in Gibraltar, then heads home to England—just two months and two days before his death at Trafalgar.
• Cliffhanger: The episode ends with the hosts previewing the coming “day of destiny” and the Battle of Trafalgar, now looming.

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• On Nelson’s Men:
  “To work with Nelson was to love him. Even the most hard bitten veterans were unable to resist his courage, commitment and charisma.”
  — Tom (quoting Andrew Lambert), 48:15

• Nelson’s Sentimentality:
  “My dear child, receive this first letter from your most affectionate father.”
  — Nelson to Horatia, 52:14

• On Social Snobbery:
  “Not only the rooms, but the whole house, staircase and all… nothing but pictures of her and him… an excess of vanity which counteracts its own purpose.”
  — Lord Minto (25:02)

• On Existential Stakes:
  “We are called to struggle for the destiny not of this country alone, but of the civilized world… for everything dear and valuable to man…”
  — William Pitt, as quoted by Tom (39:00)

• Churchillian Parallels:
  “If you think about the Spirit of 1940… imagine that, but not just one summer, but year after year during the Napoleonic Wars.”
  — Dominic (08:34)

Key Timestamps

• Opening context and France’s intentions: 04:50–08:35
• Nelson and the Sea Fencibles: 08:36–12:35
• Boulogne disaster: 13:06–14:19
• Treaty of Amiens and domestic life at Merton: 15:01–26:52
• Nelson’s estrangement from Fanny: 28:45–32:49
• Collapse of peace, renewed war: 36:32–41:02
• Nelson takes command at Toulon: 43:44–52:16
• French and Spanish Caribbean escapades, exhaustion, and return to Europe: 53:36–68:44

Conclusion

Tom and Dominic evoke the psychological, emotional, and strategic tensions of the years leading up to Trafalgar, revealing a Britain under existential threat, a hero physically and emotionally worn, and a world on the knife-edge of total war. Anchored by irresistible anecdotes and trenchant analysis, this episode sets the stage for the climactic confrontation at Trafalgar, underscoring Nelson’s enduring myth and the stakes of his struggle with Bonaparte.

Next Episode: The Battle of Trafalgar—Nelson’s final two months and the most dramatic event in British naval history.