Nelson Remembered: 21 October 2005

Watch news clips of today's celebrations here.

Trafalgar remembered at spot where Nelson died---

CADIZ — A wreath has been laid where Admiral Lord Nelson died as part of the 200th anniversary celebrations of his victory over France and Spain at Trafalgar.

Naval ships from Britain, Spain and France will mark the anniversary off the coast of Cadiz.

Descendents of Admiral Lord Nelson were gathered off Cadiz, along with representatives of all three governments.

Nelson's death commemorated---

A wreath was laid today at the site of Admiral Lord Nelson's death, as commemorations began to mark the 200 years of the battle of Trafalgar.

A service, led by chaplain of the navy Venerable Barry Hammett, has been held on the HMS Victory at the spot where Nelson was shot by a French marksman.

Tributes paid at Nelson tomb---

A wreath-laying ceremony led by the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Alan West, was held in the crypt of St Paul's Cathedral to mark the 200th anniversary of Nelson's death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

At the service held beside the naval hero's tomb, the Dean of St Paul's, Dr John Moses, told the gathered dignitaries in central London: "We give thanks for his years of service in the Royal Navy, for his humanity, his ingenuity, his courage and all that he has meant to generations of men and women."

Wreaths were laid by Sir Alan and representatives from other organisations, including the Royal Navy Association and Marine Society and Sea Cadets.

Queen lights beacon for hero Nelson---

The Queen sent a flame 30ft into the air as she lit the first of 1,000 beacons across the country to mark the 200th anniversary of Nelson's historic naval victory at Trafalgar.

Around 300 people watched as the national beacon at Nelson's flagship HMS Victory, in Portsmouth, was set ablaze.

The mast was mounted on a base featuring the prayer Nelson wrote before the battle.

Other members of the royal family were to follow lighting beacons around the UK, starting with the Prince of Wales on Church Green, Ballater, near Balmoral, on Royal Deeside.

The Queen then witnessed the Royal Marine Band's Beat Retreat in Portsmouth's naval base followed by the firing of a theatrical 52-gun night-time broadside from HMS Victory.

She was then introduced to three descendants of Lord Nelson, Royal Marine Commander Craig Nelson, Corporal Arron Nelson, an investigator with the RAF Police, and Lance Corporal Brett Nelson, of the Royal Engineers.

The three brothers are all sixth great nephews of Lord Nelson.

Family's pride at Nelson events

A rare chance to cast an eye over Nelson's letters