SIR THOMAS MASTERMAN HARDY

SIR THOMAS MASTERMAN HARDY, BART. (1769-1839), a brave naval officer, whose name is associated with the closing scene of Nelson's life, born at Portisham, in Dorsetshire; as a commander in the battle of the Nile he greatly distinguished himself, and gained his post-commission to Nelson's flagship, the Vanguard; at Trafalgar he commanded the Victory, and subsequently brought Nelson's body to England; he received a baronetcy, and saw further service, eventually attaining to the rank of vice-admiral.