FORGET modern day celebrities, Nelson was an idol of his day.

Worshipped by the people of Portsmouth he was a familiar figure in the city streets and a regular at the George Hotel on the High Street.

Nelson is famous for his part in the Napoleonic Wars, particularly in the Battle of Trafalgar where he lost his life.

On the night before he left to join his ship, The Victory, Nelson stayed once again at the George Hotel. On the morning of September 14, 1805, he was forced to take the back streets to the docks because the crowds were so big.

But his fans spotted his short cut and rushed after him, catching up with him on Southsea Common and trying to shake his hand.

Between 1794 to 1805, under Nelson's leadership, the British Navy proved its supremacy over the French.

His most famous engagement, at Cape Trafalgar, saved Britain from threat of invasion by Napoleon, but it was his last. He was struck by a French sniper's bullet and died on October 21, 1805 - the first day of battle.

Nelson's ship The Victory is anchored in Portsmouth's historic dockyard and is open to visitors.

Name: Horatio Nelson Occupation: British Admiral Date of Birth: September 29, 1758 DIED: October 21, 1805 LOCAL LINK: Based in Portsmouth, the home of the British Navy