EMMA HAMILTON
1761 - 1815

Emma Hamilton was originally Amy Lyon from England. Emma was Horatio Nelson's sweetheart and Sir William Hamilton's wife.

Before that, in 1781, she called herself Emily Hart and lived with Charles Francis Greville, who was William Hamilton's nephew. Charles owed his uncle a bunch of money which he couldn't pay back. But he had a hot bird at home, which uncle William willingly accepted as repayment.

Charles' debts were settled and William Hamilton married, now, Emma on September 6, 1791.

Emma Hamilton met Horatio Nelson in 1793.

In Horatio's behalf, Emma organized supplies for the navy to pick up in Sicily. It is rumored that this support was crucial in Horatio Nelson's victory over the French in the Battle of the Nile, which was fought on August 1, 1798.

Admiral Horatio Nelson was made a baron for this success and he decided to thank Emma, Lady Hamilton up-close and in person. The two became involved around 1798.

In 1803, William Hamilton died and Emma moved in with Horatio at Merton, Surrey. Horatio and his wife Frances had separated in 1801.

After Horatio's death, Emma spent her money until it was gone. She got jailed for debt and finally exiled.

Emma Hamilton died in Calais, France.

Classic stuff for a movie I hear you say? Well, well.

The 1941 movie That Hamilton Woman features Vivien Leigh as Emma (best girl for the role) and Laurence Olivier as Horatio.

The whole thing won an Oscar and was apparently Winston Churchill's favorite movie of all times.