Nelson's funeral at St Paul's Cathedral.
After his death at 4.30, with no coffins on board, they needed something to store his body. A leaguer or large water barrel was the best option available. His body was prepared, his clothes (except his shirt) were removed, and a lock of his hair was cut for his dear Emma. William Beatty explained that after his body was placed in the barrel, it was filled with Brandy.
With the cask placed on the Middle deck, a sentry was placed to guard his body.
On the 28th October HMS Victory arrived at Gibraltar, and the Brandy was drained off, and fresh Brandy added. During the 5 week trip to Spithead, the Brandy was replaced twice more.
11th December Dr Beatty prepared Nelsons Body and it was at this point he found the ball that had killed him. The body was wrapped in cotton and bandaged from head to toe before being placed in a lead coffin, then a wooden coffin made from the main mast of the French Ship L'Orient from the Battle of the Nile.
His body was placed in the Painted Hall at the Royal Hospital Greenwich as the nation mourned.
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/the-scandalous-decision-to-pickle-admiral-horatio-nelson-in-brandy
https://navyhistory.org.au/the-preservation-of-horatio-lord-nelsons-body/
