Flagging Up Nelson's Norfolk

As a new exhibition focuses on the life and legacy of Nelson, ROWAN MANTELL highlights the places with a particular connection to Norfolk’s hero

- Rowan Mantell

BORN IN THE BURNHAMS

Did you know, Horatio Nelson had a brother called Suckling? He grew up with Horatio, and their more conventionally named brothers including Maurice, Edmund, William and George, and sisters Susannah, Ann and Catherine, at Burnham Thorpe, where their father was rector. In fact our hero, Horatio, was not even the first Horatio in the family – but named for a brother who died aged just three months.

The future admiral was born, prematurely, and baptised within hours, using the marble font which still stands in Burnham Thorpe church. Today the church’s rood cross and lectern are made from timber from HMS Victory and the graves of Nelson’s parents lie beside the altar.

The family home was Parsonage House where, years later during extended shore leave, Nelson created a ship-shaped pond.

The web of waterways around Burnham Overy Staithe are where Britain’s greatest naval commander learned to sail.

SCHOOL IN NORTH WALSHAM

 Nelson learned Latin and Greek and had sailing lessons on Barton Broad, while a student at the Paston School, now Paston College.

STAIRCASE AT BRINTON HALL, NEAR MELTON CONSTABLE

 Four generations of Jeremy Bagnall Oakley's family have lived at Brinton Hall – and used the glorious wooden staircase which is believed to have been moved here from Nelson’s London home.