History Society Lecture

‘Prize Money in Nelson’s Navy'

Speaker: Grahame Aldous KC

The lure of prize money raised a sometimes mutinous Royal Navy to heights of loyal heroism. Imagine a world where the greatest naval power captures ships at sea and seizes the cargo to further its own political and economic ends. How did an ‘ancient custom’ seemingly rooted in ‘plunder and pillage’ evolve to meet the needs of Nelson’s navy and of the nation in an era of total war, and who got what and why? Contemporary reports of Georgian litigation, including 4 years of litigation between Nelson and St Vincent, cast new light on international law in times of war.

Pulling at a loose thread of history in Inner Temple library led Master of the Bench Grahame Aldous to a doctorate from King’s College London and the publication of Prize Money in Nelson’s Navy by The Boydell Press.

In person and livestreamed from The Inner Temple, London

Doors open: 5.30pm

Lecture: 6pm - 7pm

Reception: 7pm - 8pm

Please note that a recording of this lecture will be made available on www.innertemple.org.uk/historylectures

Cancel by: 19/01/2027

Please note: cancellations made after this may not be refunded.