I’ve got a date with the Bath Literary and Scientific Institution in Queen Square on Saturday morning – and it’s all to do with the first Nelson Trail which will be setting off from the building at 11am.
I am one of the guest curators currently involved in an exhibition of objects from the BRLSI collection and my tiny artefact has a very personal connection with Britain’s naval hero.
I am looking forward to talking to trail ticket holders about my chosen item – a tiny bottle purported to contain some of the brandy that was used to preserve Nelson’s lifeless body on its return to England after his death at the Battle of Trafalgar.
Then you will set off to explore the Admiral’s local connections. During the duration of the trail (about one hour) you will discover where Nelson stayed on his various visits to Bath, where he set up home with his wife, Fanny, and which of Bath’s many historic buildings have links to him, his family, friends & associates.Nelson was first attracted to Bath in 1781, hoping the healing waters might sooth his various ailments, but his links with the city continued until his death and beyond; the phial of brandy has been part of the BRLSI Collections since 1862, hence its inclusion in the current exhibition.
Tickets for the trail, which starts at BRLSI, cost £5 (accompanied children go free) and include an expertly guided trail, a printed leaflet to take home and a cup of tea or coffee at BRLSI.
Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance, so please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment: www.bathboxoffice.org.uk
A visit to the Chosen exhibition is the perfect way to round up your morning and entrance to the exhibition is free of charge.
See you at the BRLSI!
