Greenwich Old Royal Naval College toasts Lord Nelson
An silent, immortal toast to Lord Nelson took place this afternoon at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.
This year marks the 210th anniversary of Lord Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalagar. Every January the Old Royal Naval College and the Nelson Society mark his laying in state in what is now the Painted Hall before he was taken up the Thames by barge to St Paul's Cathedral, for his state funeral in January 1806.
The Painted Hall, inside the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich, was built in the late 17th century with a gift from Queen Anne, using booty confiscated from the notorious pirate, Captain Kidd.
Thousands of Londoners flooded the hall whilst Nelson lay in state, to pay tribute to his sacrifice and honour the impact of his victory.
Today Lord Nelson aficionados, members of the Royal Navy and the Greenwich foundation mingled with visitors and held a minute's silence.
The silence was ended with the ringing of bells, and the assembled crowds silently raised their glasses of port to the heroic British leader.
Brendan McCarthy from the Greenwich Foundation, the charity that looks after the Old Royal Naval College, said it was vital to continue to remember the unique contribution Lord Nelson made to the country through his sacrifice.