The Trafalgar Way and John Richards Lapenotiere black plaque

This black commemorative plaque records: The Trafalgar Way, Exeter - 7th 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 7th such change was made at Exeter very early on 5th November at a cost of one pound seventeen shillings and sixpence. Lapenotiere delivered his dispatches to the Admiralty at 1a.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. Erected by Exeter City Council on 17th August 2005 to inaugurate The Trafalgar Way from Falmouth to London and to honour the men of Exeter who fought for their country at Trafalgar.

Lieutenant John Richards Lapenotiere delivered the first official news of the British victory at the Battle of Trafalgar and the death of Admiral Lord Nelson, crucial in securing England's naval supremacy and informing the nation of these momentous events.