1805 Club Pickle Night

For some years, Captain Peter Hore has organised a Pickle Night in London, for fun and fundraising for The 1805 Club. Peter is the author of "HMS Pickle, the Swiftest Ship in Nelson's Trafalgar Fleet," which tells the thoroughly researched story of HM Schooner Pickle's fascinating origins and role at Trafalgar, alongside a bio of Lt Lapenotiere, her commanding officer and the deliverer of the official Trafalgar Dispatches. Peter is therefore probably the leading authority on HMS Pickle, her commanding officer and the story behind The Trafalgar Way. His research revealed both the route taken by Lapenotiere and the thrilling race which took place between Lapenotiere and Commander John Sykes, captain of the Nautilus, from Cape St Vincent all the way to the door of the Admiralty building.

You can buy a copy of this book here, with a share of the proceeds being donated to The 1805 Club.

The 1805 Club's Pickle Night is traditionally very informal, with no sit-down dinner, but drinks and canapés served to guests. Musical entertainment is provided to accompany the evening, and sea-shanties are sung. In 2018, a surprise appearance by actor Tom Blyth as Lt John Richards Lapenotiere enhanced the evening, as he strode into the room to announce "Sir, We have gained a Great Victory, but we have lost Lord Nelson!"

Future events

We are hoping that in future years, a new Pickle Night format may be held by the Club at a special venue. We have some great ideas for what might be included. The year 2020 has, for obvious reasons, not proven to be an auspicious year to begin hosting such an event, but please contact The 1805 Club to be kept informed about future such occasions. alternatively, please sign up to our mailing list using the form below, or follow us on social media for a heads-up!