NEWS RELEASES
Horsham's hero at the Battle of Trafalgar
1st July 2005
THIS year we commemorate the feats of Admiral Lord Nelson and his men at The Battle of Trafalgar fought off the coast of Spain on October 21, 1805.
This pivotal point in British military history has been remembered in Horsham in various ways, through the naming of a school, a pub, and several streets which include Nelson Road, Trafalgar Road, Victory Road, Hardy Close and Collingwood Road. Maybe Hamilton Road had a part to play too.
It is odd perhaps that no-one thought to provide us with a Pilfold Road, for there seems little doubt that Horsham's most famous seafarer was a gentleman by the name of John Pilfold who commanded the warship Ajax at the Battle of Trafalgar and who returned home a hero.
Unsung in terms of a memorial perhaps, but he did achieve a place in the history books. Born in Horsham on January 20, 1769, the third son of a farmer, he went to sea at the age of just twelve as a "captain's servant" and had a long spell of duty in the East Indies. After taking part in a fierce sea battle in 1794 he was promoted to lieutenant and when war resumed with the French in 1803 he joined the Ajax as first lieutenant.
Just prior to the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 Ajax's captain was recalled to England leaving Pilfold unexpectedly in command of the ship and destined for a key role in one of our most famous naval battles. As a result of his leadership under extreme conditions he was confirmed in the rank of Captain, presented with a gold medal and in 1815 nominated CB.
Pilfold has another claim to local fame too. His sister Elizabeth was wed to Sir Timothy Shelley of Field Place, Horsham, and he was one of the few members of the family who befriended the rebel poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, his nephew. At one time the poet took refuge at Pilfold's home in Cuckfield and the retired sea dog gave him money to fund a new life and also attempted to negotiate better relationships with his estranged father.
If John Pilfold interests you and you would like to know more there will be a great chance to find out a lot more when Horsham Museum stages a new exhibition between September 12 and November 5 entitled Gunpowder and Firepower. This will focus on the Battle of Trafalgar with special emphasis on Captain Pilfold, as well as giving us some fascinating insights into Guy Fawkes Night which is marking the 400th anniversary.
Horsham Museum is a great place for the family to visit in any week of the year. It has a remarkable collection of historical items brought together during a period of 110 years contained in more than 25 different galleries, and is continually arranging temporary displays of special interest.
Entrance is free of charge between Monday and Saturday, 10am to 5pm (excluding Bank Holidays) and more information is available from the curator and heritage officer Jeremy Knight on (01403) 254959, or by email: museum@horsham.gov.uk
Ends
Councillor Jean Burnham, The Chairman, Horsham District Council, Park North, North Street, Horsham, RH12 1RH.
E-mail: contactchairman@horsham.gov.uk
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CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
(01403) 215549
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