Lot Essay
Thomas Bolton (1752-1834), was Lord Nelson's brother-in-law having married the Admiral's slightly older sister Susanna in 1780. He was a prosperous businessman trading in corn, malt and coal and he and Susanna lived at Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk. One of their six children, also named Thomas, had not only been chosen to act as Nelson's esquire at his installation as a Knight of the Bath at Westminster Abbey in May 1803 -- in the event, Nelson had to return to sea unexpectedly and the ceremony went ahead by proxy -- but, more importantly, eventually inherited the title of 2nd Earl Nelson, Nelson's own brother William having become the 1st Earl upon the death of the Admiral at Trafalgar.
Whilst it has not been confirmed, it is most likely that it was Thomas Bolton, Senior, Nelson's brother-in-law, who travelled up-river with the Admiral's funeral cortège even though it is possible that his nineteen year old son may also have been amongst the family representatives on the journey.
Whilst it has not been confirmed, it is most likely that it was Thomas Bolton, Senior, Nelson's brother-in-law, who travelled up-river with the Admiral's funeral cortège even though it is possible that his nineteen year old son may also have been amongst the family representatives on the journey.