Lord Nelson Remembered At Thanksgiving Parade Through Cornish Village With Historic Links To Battle Of Trafalgar

Madron in west Cornwall witnessed a significant commemoration on Sunday, 20th October, as sailors from Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose paraded through the village streets to honour the Battle of Trafalgar and remember Lord Nelson. Despite strong winds and rain predicted from Storm Ashley, the annual event proceeded with the same dedication that has kept the tradition alive for over two centuries.

A Historic Parade

The parade, led by the HMS Seahawk Volunteer Band, included a guard, colour party, and platoon of trainees. They were joined by members of the Sea Cadets, Royal Naval Association, and the Royal British Legion, making their way through Madron towards St Maddern’s Church. This church has historic ties to the Battle of Trafalgar, having held the first thanksgiving service just days after the British victory in 1805.

The annual event, organised by Madron Parish Council, is always held on the Sunday closest to 21st October, the date of the battle. It was on this day in 1805 that a British fleet, under the command of Lord Admiral Nelson, faced a combined French and Spanish force. Despite being outnumbered, the British fleet triumphed, though Lord Nelson was mortally wounded during the battle.

Remembering Nelson’s ‘Immortal Memory’

According to local history, after the battle, HMS Pickle sailed for Falmouth, spreading news of the victory and Lord Nelson’s death to fishermen in Mount’s Bay. These fishermen rushed to Penzance and informed town mayor Thomas Giddy, who led a procession to Madron Parish Church. The Nelson Banner, hastily prepared in Nelson’s honour, was paraded for the first time during the service and continues to feature at the annual memorial.

Mayor of Penzance Stephen Reynolds, present at this year’s parade, shared his reflections: “Trafalgar Day is a unique and special event, and a reminder not only of the close historical ties between Madron and Penzance, but also of our small but significant role in British naval history with the first announcement of the death of Nelson and the victory of Trafalgar.”

He added praise for the local councils involved in organising the event: “Madron Parochial Church Council and Parish Council deserve great credit for keeping this tradition alive, and for me personally it’s always an honour and a pleasure to be invited to the ‘mother church’ of Penzance overlooking Mounts Bay.”

📷The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 20 October, 2024. Photo by Penzance Council.

Photo: The victory of the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Admiral Nelson are marked at the annual Thanksgiving Parade and Service in Madron, near Penzance, on Sunday, 20 October, 2024. Photo by Penzance Council.

A Salute to Tradition

After the service, the parade passed by Landithy Hall, where Captain Stuart Irwin, commanding officer of RNAS Culdrose, took the salute. Among those attending from Penzance Council were councillors Joan Beveridge, Bonnie Jackson, and Penny Young, all paying their respects to one of Britain’s most famous wartime heroes.

This annual remembrance of Lord Nelson continues to strengthen the historic ties between Madron, Penzance, and Britain’s naval legacy, honouring not only the victory but also the deep connection shared with Cornwall.