The Trafalgar Way and John Richards Lapenotiere black plaque
Connection to This Location
# The Trafalgar Way at Canada House Standing at Canada House in Trafalgar Square at one o'clock in the morning on Wednesday 6th November 1805, Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere's post-chaise thundered past this very spot, carrying the most momentous news England had awaited with bated breath for...
Location
Canada House, Trafalgar Square
Inscription
The Trafalgar Way at Canada House On Monday 21st October 1805 the Royal Navy decisively defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar south of Cadiz. This victory permanently removed the threat of invasion of England by the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte. The first official dispatches with news of the victory, and the death of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, were carried to England on board H.M. Schooner PICKLE by her captain, Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere. Lapenotiere landed at Falmouth on Monday 4th November 1805 and set out by post-chaise for London, covering the 271 miles in 37 hours. He drove past this point shortly before one in the morning of Wednesday 6th and turned down Whitehall to reach the Admiralty where he delivered the despatches to the Secretary to the Board with the words, "Sir, we have won a great victory, but have lost Lord Nelson." he route which Lapenotiere followed from Falmouth to London is now known as The Trafalgar Way: it is marked by bronze plaques at the 21 stages where he is known to have changed horse, and at a number of intermediate points.