IAN CLARKE It's been known as “Nelson's local” for generations - and countless events have been staged there to celebrate Norfolk's seafaring hero.But now the North Norfolk pub named after Lord Horatio Nelson will be remembering the woman who captured his heart and became his mistress.

IAN CLARKE

It's been known as "Nelson's local" for generations - and countless events have been staged there to celebrate Norfolk's seafaring hero.

But now the north Norfolk pub named after Lord Horatio Nelson will be remembering the woman who captured his heart and became his mistress.

The Lord Nelson at Burnham Thorpe, near Wells, is organising the first celebration of Lady Hamilton's birthday at the pub on April 27.

To add to the occasion, landladies Debbie De Groeve and Jo Alper have invited Lady Hamilton's most recent biographer, Kate Williams, to the event, where she will give a talk and sign copies of her book.

Mrs De Groeve said: "The Lord Nelson is famous for its Trafalgar dinners and Nelson's birthday celebrations, but both of these are in the autumn. Lady Hamilton's birthday falls nicely in the spring and has allowed us, as new landladies, to make our mark on the events calendar here."

The evening will feature a menu devised by Mrs De Groeve's husband Peter using the Hannah Glass Cookbook from the 1750s to give an authentic feel to the evening.

Diners will be able to taste sparkling wine and gin which were Lady Hamilton's favourite tipples and the

Lord Nelson's famous for Nelson's Blood and Lady Hamilton's Nip blends of spiced rum will be part of the evening.

Entertainment will be provided by Bosun, who are well-known for

their performances at the Nelson celebrations, and a nautical theme will be ensured with the singing of sea shanties and traditional songs.

The festivities will end with a firework display.

The Lord Nelson is at Walsingham Road, Burnham Thorpe. Telephone: 01328 738241.