The Trafalgar Way and John Richards Lapenotiere black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: The Trafalgar Way Dorchester - 11th post-horse change On Monday 21st October 1805 the Royal Navy decisively defeated a combined French and Spanish fleet off Cape Trafalgar on the south west coast of Spain. This victory permanently removed the threat of invasion of England by the armies of Napoleon Bonaparte. The first official dispatches with the momentous news of the victory, and the death in action of Vice Admiral Lord Nelson, were carried to England on board H.M. Schooner PICKLE by her captain, Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere. Lapenotiere landed at Falmouth on Monday 4th November 1805 and set out "express by post-chaise" for London, following what is now The Trafalgar Way. He took some 37 hours to cover the 271 mile journey, changing horses 21 times. The 11th such change was made at Dorchester on the morning of 5th November at a cost of two pounds fourteen shillings and sixpence. Lapenotiere delivered his dispatches to the Admiralty at 1 a.m. on Wednesday 6th November. The news was at once passed to the Prime Minister and the King, and special editions of newspapers were published later the same day to inform the nation. Recorded plaque organisation: Dorchester Town Council.

John Richards Lapenotiere was the captain of H.M. Schooner PICKLE that carried the first official dispatches announcing the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Lord Nelson; his rapid delivery of news from Falmouth to London in late October 1805 played a crucial role in informing the government and public about this pivotal naval battle.