Trafalgar 1805

For over 300 years a “tot” of rum was part of the daily ration for British sailors, which was in fact about half a pint! This tradition began in 1655, when Admiral William Penn granted the first recorded rum ration to sailors whilst on a quest to claim the West Indies for Britain.

​

On October 21, 1805, Admiral Horatio Nelson led 27 ships to glorious victory in one of the most decisive battles in history, Trafalgar, sinking 19 Spanish and French ships without loss of a ship from the British Fleet. The victory ensured that Napoleon would never invade Britain. The battle raged most fiercely around Admiral Nelson’s flagship, 'Victory', which signalled the famous message “England expects that every man will do his duty”. Tragically, 30 minutes before the end of the battle, Admiral Nelson was shot and died, his body reputedly preserved in a cask of Rum as the damaged Victory returned to Gibraltar for repairs.

 

In the 18th century, Nelson would have ensured his men enjoyed their daily “tot” of navy strength Rum drawn straight from the “Grog Tub” complete with the navy toast “The King, God Bless Him”.

​

​