New Trafalgar Dispatch

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The Post-Chaise

The New Trafalgar Dispatch was part of the bicentenary celebrations of Lord Nelson's famous and momentous victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, in 1805. The prolonged and multi-focal ceremony took place between July and September 2005.

An actor, Alex Price, played the central role of Lieutenant Lapenotiere and recreated the delivery of Vice Admiral Collingwood’s original dispatch (report) to the Admiralty. The original dispatch was carried by HMS Pickle from the fleet off Cape Trafalgar to Falmouth. From there, Lapenotiere travelled by post chaise to London, in the very fast time of 36 hours.

In the re-enactment, the specially-built replica post chaise visited various points, between Falmouth and London, many of them on the original route. Individual ceremonies were re-enacted at some of the 'stops', including Falmouth, Truro, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Salisbury, Andover, Bagshot, Staines and London, at each of which was read the specially-drafted message, emphasising the sacrifice and courage of the participants of both sides, in that famous battle.

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