One of Britain's greatest naval heroes, Horatio Nelson, has roots in Merton - and you can walk in his footsteps

Lord Admiral Nelson was a British flag officer in the Royal Navy in the 18th and 19th Centuries, best known for his inspirational leadership and unconventional strategies that helped Great Britain secure critical naval victories.

Nelson was instrumental during the Napoleonic Wars and his most prominent victories include defeating the Spanish off Cape Vincent in 1797, the Battle of the Nile a year later and the Battle of Copenhagen in 1801.

In a heated affair with the French at Cape Trafalgar, he was influential in saving the British from the threat of an invasion from Napoleon.

However, his greatest victory would also be his last as he was fatally wounded by a French marksman during the battle in 1805.

Councillor Nick Draper, cabinet member for community and culture, said: "Our connection to Admiral Lord Nelson is still a great source of pride for this borough.

"Merton Place was the only home that Nelson ever owned in his own right and he lived there for just a few years before his death at the Battle of Trafalgar.

"Although he was often away at sea, Nelson loved the peace and charm of the area he described as 'Dear, dear Merton'."

Here are the 10 places that you can visit:

1. St Mary the Virgin in Church Path, Merton Park

It was the first stone church in the district, built in 1115, at the behest of Gilbert the Norman who was the Sheriff of Surrey and the founder of Merton Priory.

Many of the windows honour its former vicars and parishioners, with a notable example in the east window in the chancel.

The original was devastated by a bomb during the Second World War in 1944 before a replacement was built in 1950.

Memorials including a plaque commemorating Sir Gregory Lovell, Treasurer to Queen Elizabeth I, and Elizabeth Cook who was the widow of explorer James Cook in the 18th century.

2. Morden Lodge in Morden Hall Road

Although the site is not open to the public, visitors can view it from the road.

It was the home to Abraham Goldsmid, and a senior partner in one of London’s most prominent brokerage firms, Goldsmid, during the early 19th century.

Lord Nelson was a close personal friend of Abraham and is known to have visited Morden Lodge with Lady Hamilton and members of his extended family.

Morden Lodge was later demolished and replaced by the current Georgian building circa 1820.

3. Mitcham Cricket Ground

Lord Nelson is believed to have been keenly interested in cricket, travelling from his Merton home to spectate, and the sport has existed in the area since around the 1685.

The Cricketers Inn, which were original changing rooms for the club, was demolished in May 2017.

According to The Independent, Mitcham Cricket Club is the oldest of its kind in existence, also having provided three players for the England national team – fast bowler Tom Richardson, batsman Andy Sandham and wicketkeeper Herbert Strudwick.

4. Eagle House in High Street, Wimbledon

It was originally built in 1617 for Robert Bell before being bought by Revered Thomas Lancaster in 1790, becoming the Wimbledon School for Young Noblemen and Gentlemen.

In September 1805, Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton visited Wimbledon Academy with it later becoming Nelson House School.

The building is available for viewing on the Nelson Trail and a short route from the 93 and 200 bus routes.

5. Wandle Park in Merton High Street, Colliers Wood

Near the river Wandle, the area has prominent industrial history and consists of grass, a linear path with trees generally beside the river and wetland features.

The park is on both the Nelson Trail and the Wandle Trail.

6. The Nelson Arms in Merton High Street

It is said that the pub marks the site of the entrance gates towards Nelson’s former home, Merton Place.

Originally, the estate fell within two parishes, with the southern part including the house and grounds lay in Merton and a brick-lined tunnel passing under the road for residents to travel from one place to another.

The current building dates from 1910 and is decorated with a unique series of murals by Garters of Poole as well as illustrating Lord Nelson and HMS Victory.

7. Merton Place near Doel Close, High Path Estate

Merton Place was built in 1750 for Mr Henry Pratt, originally known as Moat House Farm.

It was enlarged by its subsequent owner, Sir Richard Hotham, a wealthy hat manufacturer that was famous for the development of Bognor.

The estate was later passed to Charles Greaves who was a partner in a local calico-printing works.

It is said that the years spent by Lord Nelson at Merton Place were ‘amongst the happies of his life’.

8. Gatehouse in Merton High Street

This was formerly the home of James Halfhide during the early 19th century and was later purchased for £23 by Lord Nelson in 1801.

James’ company, Halfhide and Son, went bankrupt in 1804 and Gatehouse was later owned by Charles Smith and his brother Rear Admiral Isaac.

In 1826, the Smith family acquired most of the Merton section of the estate Lord Nelson owned before his death, which remained in their family until the interwar period.

It was later used as a factory estate.

9. St John the Divine and Nelson Gardens in High Path, South Wimbledon

The church was built circa 1914 to mark the anniversary of the death of Lord Nelson and was designed by architect C Gage.

His former house, Merton Place, was located near the site and the church inhabits the ground formerly taken up by Nelson’s estate.

It features a Gothic style design that was created by Edward Burne-Jones and the altarpiece in the church is made from timber taken from Nelson’s flagship, HMS Victory.