The Trafalgar Way
THE
TRAFALGAR WAY
TRURO - FIRST POST-HORSE CHANGE
On Monday 21st October 1805 the Royal Navy decisively defeated a combined
French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar on the south west coast of Spain
This victory permanently removed the threat of invasion of England
by the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The first official dispatches with the momentous news of the victory, and the
death in action of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson were carried to England
on board H. M. Schooner PICKLE by her captain,
Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere.
Lapenotiеrе landed at Falmouth on Monday 4th November 1805 and set out
"express by post-chaise" for London, following what is now The Trafalgar Way.
He took some 37 hours to cover the 271 mile journey, changing horses 21 times.
The first such change was made at Truro that afternoon at a
cost of one pound two shillings and sixpence.
Lapenoitiere delivered his dispatches to the Admiralty at 1 a.m. on Wednesday
6th November. The news was at once passed to the Prime Minister and
the King, and special editions of newspapers were published
later the same day to inform the nation.
Erected by Truro City Council on 6th August 2005
to inaugurate The Trafalgar way from Falmouth to London
and
to honour the men of Cornwall
who fought for their country at Trafalgar.
[Location approximate]
Submitted by @theonlymfkirke