The Trafalgar Way and John Richards Lapenotiere black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: The Trafalgar Way Blandford Forum - 12th 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 on the 271 mile journey, changing horses 21 times. The 12th such change was made at Blandford Forum in the middle of the day on 5th November at a cost of two pounds ten shillings and sixpence. Lapenotiere delivered his dispatches to the Admiralty at 1a.m on Wednesday 6th November. The news was passed to the Prime Minister and the King at once, and special editions of newspapers were published later the same day to inform the nation. Erected by Blandford Forum Town Council on 25th August 2005 to inaugurate The Trafalgar Way from Falmouth to London and to honour the men of Blandford Forum and North Dorset who fought for their country at Trafalgar.

John Richards Lapenotiere was a Royal Navy lieutenant who carried the first official news of the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson from Falmouth to London in 1805, significantly impacting national morale and security during the Napoleonic Wars.