On the subject of Nelson: The very long article in the Naval Chronicle at the time does not mention the coffin spitting incident. As the coffin was escorted (by the River Fencibles and other troops) throughout it doesn't seem at all likely. Nelson was well-loved by most sailors and there are many reports of sailors in tears at the news of his death. I can't see the point of repeating a rumour that you may have read about some time ago, Jim. It doesn't help your case.

Nelson wasn't Governor of Naples. But he was shagging the wife of the British Envoy to the Court of Naples, Emma Hamilton the ex-prostitute wife of Sir William Hamilton. This shameful menage a trois led to Nelson hanging around in port rather than being out looking for the enemy. Most 'polite society' in Naples refused to invite the couple (or triple!) to their parties. Nelson had been created Duke of Bronte by the King of Naples (properly 'the Two Sicilies' ) in 1799.

I am not particularly a Nelson supporter. Like many great military leaders he was a shameful self-publicist, and his was probably his insistence on wearing as many medals and orders as possible on his uniform that marked him out for the bullet that caused his death.


Anyway - back to arguing about MacColl.