On this very eve 199 years ago in 1805 the two biggest superpowers of the time were preparing for the most desisive naval battles of all time. A battle that would make or break Napoleons empire.

On the 21st October the Royal Navy engaged the combined Franco-spanish fleet off cape Trafalgar. The battle that ensued saw the destruction or capture of 19 enemy ships of the line to the loss of no Royal Navy vessels.

The battle also saw the death of Horatio Nelson who now resides upon a columb in a square named after the battle.