Lot Essay
It is possible that this most interesting watercolour is by the son of George F. Gregory who was himself reknown for his charmingly naive style.
The greatest naval victory in British history, that off Cape Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, was completely overshadowed for contemporaries by the tragedy of Nelson's death at the height of the battle. H.M.S. Victory had been badly damaged during the action and, when she limped into Gibraltar several days later, it was first suggested that another ship be allowed to take Nelson's body home. Victory's claim prevailed however and she sailed for England on 2 November with the dead hero's body placed in a large barrel of brandy lashed to the mainmast on the middle deck. Due to adverse winds and Victory's damaged condition, the voyage home took five weeks and she finally reached Spithead on 5 December where she anchored for a week before proceeding on to Sheerness for the state funeral in London.
The greatest naval victory in British history, that off Cape Trafalgar on 21 October 1805, was completely overshadowed for contemporaries by the tragedy of Nelson's death at the height of the battle. H.M.S. Victory had been badly damaged during the action and, when she limped into Gibraltar several days later, it was first suggested that another ship be allowed to take Nelson's body home. Victory's claim prevailed however and she sailed for England on 2 November with the dead hero's body placed in a large barrel of brandy lashed to the mainmast on the middle deck. Due to adverse winds and Victory's damaged condition, the voyage home took five weeks and she finally reached Spithead on 5 December where she anchored for a week before proceeding on to Sheerness for the state funeral in London.