The battle of Trafalgar was a key event in British, European and World History. It ended the threat of French invasion of the British Isles, and ensured British domination of the seas. From that time forward Napoleon was faced with the knowledge that he could never defeat Britain by military means, it was the beginning of the end for him.

In Dorset the effects of the battle were felt at many levels, and over a very long period of time. The immediate effect was one of relief, it was recognised, almost straight away that the battle had effectively put paid to any French invasion. Dorset had been recognised as one of the most vulnerable parts of the British coastline, in terms of a French landing. This threat was over and now people could literally, sleep safe in their beds.

Secondly there were more personal concerns, one hundred and eighty six men from Dorset served in the battle. Though there were only two deaths, and one serious injury, friends and relations would have been very concerned for their survival during the long wait between the first reports of the battle, and the publication of the complete casualty list. The effects of the battle on the men and their families would have lasted the rest of their lives, the men were feted as heroes on their return, and they would always have been known as the men who fought at Trafalgar.

Finally stories and legends of the period have fascinated and continue to fascinate people living in, and visiting, Dorset. In the mid nineteenth centuries these stories were a major influence on the writer Thomas Hardy, who made extensive use of them in his work.  They formed the basis for one of his novels The Trumpet Major, a major cycle of poems The Dynasts and several of his other poems and short stories.

• Dorset men at the battle

  One hundred and eighty six men from Dorset are known to have served at the battle of Trafalgar. From Thomas Hardy, Flag Captain on HMS Victory to John and Richard Howles, brothers rated as 'Boy third class' on HMS Royal Sovereign.

• Nelson in Dorset

  There are few connections between Admiral Nelson himself, and the county of Dorset. However tradition suggests he did visit the county, to see his sister, who lived in Dorset for many years.

• The celebrations at Burton

  The victory at Trafalgar prompted widespread celebration, muted by the knowledge of Nelson's death. The celebrations at Burton Bradstock were particularly notable.

• The other Thomas Hardy and Trafalgar

  Thomas Hardy, the writer, had been fascinated with stories of the Napoleonic wars since childhood, and used the period extensively as settings for his stories and poems.