ADMIRAL LORD NELSON’S GRANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IPSWICH, 1799

a contemporary copy of the grant to Nelson of the Freedom of the Town and Borough of Ipswich in Suffolk awarded on 11 October 1799 following his victory at the Battle of the Nile: This Court, called for that purpose, taking into consideration the late eminent services of Horatio, Lord Nelson of the Nile and of Burnham Thorpe in the County of Norfolk, Knight of the most honourable Order of the Bath, and Rear Admiral of the Blue Division of his Majesty’s Navy, to our King and Country by the Glorious Victory he obtained over the French Fleet at the Mouth of the Nile to unanimously vote him the Freedom of this Town and Borough, and order that a copy of this Resolution be presented to him on his Return [signed] By the Court Wm Bailey, Town Clerk, further decorated with representations of naval victory and the stern of Nelson’s flagship Vanguard. Ink on vellum, later backed on vellum -- 16½ x 13½in. (42 x 34cm.)

Following the Battle of the Nile, Nelson was showered with awards including the grant of freedom to many towns around England, perhaps seventeen in all including Plymouth, Birmingham and the City of London. Manuscript copies of the original grants are exceptionally rare. The National Maritime Museum, Greenwich lists four in its collection: for Ludlow (1802), New Sarum, Worcester (1802) and Thetford.

Nelson visited Ipswich, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, on his triumphant return to England on 9 November 1800 when his carriage was drawn into the town by a cheering crowd.