Nelson receives freedom of the city

The Worcester Journal of September 1, 1802, reported the event in glowing detail: "Sunday evening last, about six o'clock, the Lord Viscount Nelson, accompanied by Sir William and Lady Hamilton, arrived here from Downton Castle near Ludlow.

"The intention of the illustrious Hero to visit the city, being known a few hours previous to his arrival, a great concourse of people assembled to hail his approach with heartfelt acclamation and, taking the horses from his carriage, drew it to the Hop Pole Inn amidst the grateful plaudits of the admiring spectators who lined the streets and filled the windows of the houses.

"The brave avenger of his country's wrongs was also greeted by the joyous peels of the city's church bells, several discharges of cannon, and by various outbursts of esteem and respect until Night had completely drawn her sable mantle over the scene.

"The gallant Admiral was in good health and spirits and wore upon his breast the insignia of various Orders with which he has been honoured for his glorious achievements. He gratified the exulting crowd by appearing at the window of the Hop Pole Inn and bowing to them with most gracious condescension."

The elegant Georgian building which originally formed the Hop Pole Inn stands at the corner of Foregate Street and Shaw Street.

"On Monday morning, his Lordship and friends, preceded by a band of music, visited Messrs Chamberlains' China Manufactory, over the door of which was thrown a triumphal arch of laurel ornamented with an elegant blue flag with an appropriate inscription thereon.

"For more than an hour, his Lordship viewed with the minutest attention every department of this highly improved works and, on inspection of the superb assortment of china at their shop in High Street, his Lordship honoured Messrs Chamberlains by declaring that, though possessed of the finest porcelain the Courts of Dresden and Naples could afford, he had seen none equal to the productions of their manufactory, in testimony to which opinion he left a very large order for china to be decorated in the most splendid style with his arms, insignia etc.

"Sir William and Lady Hamilton likewise favoured the proprietors with liberal purchases.

"His Lordship then proceeded to the Town Hall where he was received by the Corporation and, having viewed that noble building, partook of an elegant luncheon prepared in the Assembly Room.

"Here, the gallant Conqueror was presented with the Freedom of the City, enclosed in a richly ornamented china vase, by the Right Hon, the Earl of Coventry who expressed the obligations the country owed to his Lordship and entreated his acceptance of the Freedom as a small acknowledgement by the people of Worcester of his splendid services to the nation.

"The noble Admiral replied that he received the present with the highest satisfaction - it would ever be a source of infinite pleasure to him. The merit ascribed to him, however, was more due to the brave men who had been placed under his orders. It was to them that the country was indebted. He only had the good fortune to command the heroes who obtained such important successes.

"His future conduct, he said, would best evince his gratitude for the distinguished honours conferred upon him. The remaining period of his life would be devoted to the service of his King and country and, while he had a limb left, that limp should, if necessary, be cheerfully sacrificed in their defence.

"His Lordship retired shortly afterwards and went to the Cathedral which he viewed before returning to the Hop Pole Inn, highly gratified with the reception he had experienced from all ranks in this city. He departed for Birmingham the following day."

It is fascinating to note that Lord Nelson's mistress, Lady Hamilton accompanied him on his visit to Worcester and other English cities, though with her husband, Sir William Hamilton!