Contacting the fleet’s HMS Pickle, a small fast schooner travelling to Falmouth, and carrying the news of the death of a national hero, the fishermen hurried to Penzance to report the national tragedy.

News of  Nelson’s death was received at the Assembly Rooms in Chapel Street (pictured right) whilst a ball was in progress.

The news was publicly announced outside the Union Hotel in Chapel Street (adjacent to the Assembly Rooms) to immense public distress.  This announcement is now commemorated in the pub sign of the Union Hotel).