All photographs and
text content reproduced by kind permission of
PETER MILFORD
St
Vincent College, Gosport
The Admiral's cabin
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HMS Victory - the Admiral's day cabin
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photocredit : Peter Milford :
St Vincent College, February 1997
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The splendour of the Admiral's cabin contrasts sharply with the living
conditions of the ordinary seamen on board Victory. Here, amongst
the elegant decor reminiscent of the great country house, the Admiral entertained
his senior officers and planned his strategy for the coming battle. In
this cabin, Admiral Sir John Jervis dined with Commodore Nelson, Captain
Calder, Captain Hallowell and Sir William Elliott on the eve of the Battle
of Cape St. Vincent. Here, Jervis would have retired after the battle to
write his dispatches to the Admiralty.
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photocredit : Peter Milford :
St Vincent College, February 1997
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In action, even the Admiral's cabin became part of the gun decks. The
bulkheads were swung up and clipped to the deckhead to provide a clear
space for action.
Today this cabin remains in use as it always has been - as the Admiral's
dining room. Commander in Chief, Naval Home Command, Second Sea Lord, flies
his flag in Victory and entertains his official guests in this cabin.
The Admiral had his own night cabin by the great day cabin and dining room.
Admiral Nelson's swinging cot is shown here, with replicas of the hangings
made for him by Emma, Lady Hamilton. The cot was made to measure, and was
intended to serve as the officer's coffin if he was unlucky and died on
board.
Nelsons Cot
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photocredit : Peter Milford :
St Vincent College, February 1997
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The cot is suspended between two 12 pounder cannon. In action this space
would be completely cleared and revert to being part of the upper gun deck.