Within the sheets of three music books in the Museum of London’s library, previously owned by Lady Emma Hamilton, lay several unknown songs dedicated to her lover Lord Nelson’s naval victories. It’s among these that several scores — one sea shanty, another cantata and two hymns — dedicated to Lord Nelson’s naval victories lay hidden from public knowledge for over 200 years.

With grog and Nelson both together
We'll drink and conquer in all weather

11 December 2021 Join us at the Museum of London Docklands for a unique musical performance, in partnership with the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. For one night only, we will bring to life songs dedicated to Horatio Nelson’s naval victories, recently rediscovered in Emma Hamilton’s songbooks by museum Librarian Lluis Tembleque.

Lluis will kick off the evening with a presentation on his finds and their historical context, and Dr Christopher Suckling, Head of Historical Performance at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, will give an insight onto the music world at the beginning of the 19th century.

After the talks, performers from the School will play the four rediscovered pieces, along with a number of other relevant scores, then Lluis will show items from our collections connected to Lady Hamilton and Lord Nelson - all in the immersive surroundings of the Museum of London Docklands.

Songs for Lord Nelson