Edmund Nelson

Edmund Nelson

The town was always a favourite place for the Nelson family

Born

1722

Died

1802

Edmund Nelson (1722-1802), father of Admiral Horatio Nelson lived on London Street in Swaffham for some years before moving to North Norfolk. 

Three of his children were baptised in Swaffham, and baby Horatio was both baptised and buried here in 1750.

The town was always a favourite place for the Nelson family and they would gather here at various times to attend the racing and coursing, the theatre and other entertainments. They are known to have lodged at what is now Strattons.

Horatio’s wife Fanny also lodged in Swaffham for a short time before moving south and his mistress Emma Hamilton would frequently meet with the family here. She is known to have stayed at the Crown Inn in 1806. 

Edmund’s father, also Edmund, was one of three who signed the legal discharge for the Free School on Campingland bequeathed by Nicholas Hamond in 1737. 

howard carter

Howard Carter

He was invited to join a team of archaeologists in Egypt as a tomb painting copyist and soon developed a love for archaeology.

Learn more
Dorothy Smith

Dorothy Smith

From 1944 until 1955, when the National Health Service was being set up, she was chairman of the General Nursing Council.

Learn more

Pedlar of Swaffham

The Pedlar of Swaffham is an English folktale from Swaffham, Norfolk.

Explore

Popular historical attractions

Swaffham Market Place

The Shambles

East Side

North Side

West Side

Do you know Swaffham?

Do you live here, did you live here and do you know of any interesting, historical facts you’d like to share with us.

We’d love to hear from you!

Get in touch