Portrait of Lady Nelson (1761-1831), wife of Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson - Project Gutenberg eText 16914

• Historian's Note:

Legend has it that after her displacement as Nelson's wife, Lady Nelson thence became known as "Tom-Tit". Apparently documented, Lady Nelson had Rheumatism in her legs. Since she did, those around her claimed she walked rather bird-like. As a result, Lord Nelson, Lady Hamilton, and those closest to them called Lady Nelson, "Tom-Tit". Since Lady Emma Hamilton and Lord Nelson had a child, she was essentially considered Lord Nelson's true and loyal wife among most of Nelson's family and friends. After his death, however, Lady Hamilton's position during his life changed drastically, bringing about profound poverty. For the sake of respectability, all who knew Lady Hamilton turned from her and eventually embraced Lady Nelson once again - leaving Lady Hamilton with nothing. Those who knew the woman behind the great Nelson tried to airbrush her out of his life and history, but did not succeed. In general, we know more intimate details about Lady Hamilton than we know about Lady Nelson.