HARDY'S Monument was erected in 1844 as a memorial to Vice-Admiral Sir Thomas Masterman Hardy, Flag Captain of HMS Victory at the Battle of Trafalgar.
He was born in 1769, the second son of Joseph Hardy of Portesham and his wife, Nanny, the daughter of Thomas Masterman of Kingston Russell House.
At the age of 12 he entered the navy as Captain's servant to serve on board the brig Helena.
His association with Nelson began in 1793 when he was promoted to lieutenant of the frigate Meleager, commanded by Captain Nelson.
In 1798 fought in the Battle of the Nile, one of the great victories of that era, after which he was immediately promoted to the Vanguard, Nelson's flagship.
But it was while aboard HMS Victory on October 21, 1805, at Trafalgar, that Hardy's place in history was sealed. A fatally wounded Nelson is said to have uttered the immortal words 'Kiss Me Hardy'.
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