Trafalgar dispatch trip recreated

The commander of HM Schooner Pickle carried the original dispatch

The journey travelled by a dispatch rider with news of the victory at Trafalgar is to be re-enacted to mark the 200th anniversary of the battle.

Two copies of a new dispatch were handed over to the Jubilee Sailing Trust at Portsmouth's International Festival of the Sea on Friday.

A ship will deliver them to the mayors of Cadiz in Spain and Brest in France.

An actor will then return on the trust's ship to recreate the rider's journey from Falmouth to London.

The sentiments expressed in the new dispatch, based on heroism, humanity and international friendship, are all rooted in the battle and its consequences Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt

A replica post chaise has been built for the trip, which recreates the journey by Lieutenant John Lapenotiere, commander of HM Schooner Pickle, between Falmouth and London.

Admiral Sir Nicholas Hunt, president of the New Trafalgar Dispatch, said: "The sentiments expressed in the new dispatch, based on heroism, humanity and international friendship, are all rooted in the battle and its consequences.

"The words of the New Trafalgar Dispatch, written by Dr Colin White, director of Trafalgar 200 at the National Maritime Museum, are based on these ideals."

Lt Lapenotiere was sent by Vice Admiral Collingwood from Cape Trafalgar, off the south coast of Spain, bearing the news of the victory and of Nelson's death.

Trafalgar Way

He arrived in Falmouth on 4 November and it took him 37 hours to reach London.

But the re-enactment of the journey will take five weeks, with plaques being unveiled at the 21 stops where Lt Lapenotiere, to be played by actor Alex Price, changed horses.

The route is to be officially designated as The Trafalgar Way.

The 271-mile journey begins on 4 August and will end on 9 September.