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 13th such change was made at the inn at Woodyates after noon on 5th November at a cost of two pounds five shillings.
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.
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.
THE TRAFALGAR WAY WOODYATES
13th 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 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.
13th POST-
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 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.
Woodyates
On the 25th August 2005, close to the original site of The Woodyates Inn, a commemorative plaque was unveilled by The Chairman of East Dorset District Council.
The dedication says:
Erected by East Dorset District Council on 25th August 2005 to inaugurate The Trafalgar Way from Falmouth to London and to honour the men of Cranborne Chase and East Dorset who fought for their country at Trafalgar.
The dedication says:
Erected by East Dorset District Council on 25th August 2005 to inaugurate The Trafalgar Way from Falmouth to London and to honour the men of Cranborne Chase and East Dorset who fought for their country at Trafalgar.