A Charity Ball in Bath in 1801

We learn from the Annuls of Bath from 1801 that "The Battle of Copenhagen had been fought, and, while all who were blest with the means, had been recently straining every nerve to relieve their famished townsmen, yet they were not unmindful of those brave fellows who had fought and suffered in their country's cause, before the walls of that city.

A Ball, suggested by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of York, (then a visitor in this city,) was given at the Upper Assembly Rooms for the benefit of the brave men who were wounded, and the widows and families of those who fell on that occasion. The notice was short, but the cause was patriotic, and found immediate way to every grateful British bosom. The room was crowded with all that was noble, loyal, and beautiful in the city. The amount of the clear profits was £536, which sufficiently indicates the number and liberality of the company who attended. One of the most heartfelt pleasures of the evening resulted from the presence of the venerable father of Nelson. His dress and demeanour were as unassuming as the bravery of his noble son was conspicuous, and it is needless to say he claimed and received every mark of respect and veneration."

The Battle of Copenhagen of 1801, also known as the First Battle of Copenhagen to distinguish it from the Second Battle of Copenhagen in 1807, was a naval battle in which a British fleet fought and defeated a smaller force of the Dano-Norwegian Navy anchored near Copenhagen on 2 April 1801. The battle arose over British fears that the powerful Danish fleet would ally with France and a breakdown in diplomatic communications on both sides.

The Duchess of York started life as Princess Frederica Charlotte of Prussia, the eldest daughter of King Frederick William II. She became the wife of Prince Frederick, Duke of York and Albany, second son of King George III.

The marriage was not a happy one, after three years, it had become apparent that the Duke and Duchess of York would have no issue. Frederica Charlotte and Frederick separated. The Duchess retired to Oatlands Park, Weybridge, where she lived until her death in 1820. Their relationship after separation appears to have been amicable, but there was never any question of reconciliation.

She is described as: "clever and well-informed; she likes society and dislikes all form and ceremony, but in the midst of the most familiar intercourse she always preserves a certain dignity of manner", and :"probably no person in such a situation was ever more really liked." In 1827 (after her death), she was called: "a harmless but an eccentric little woman, with an extraordinary fondness for cats and dogs, some indications of the German severity of family etiquette, which gave her household the air of Potsdam, and but a slight share of those attractions which might retain the regards of a husband—young, a soldier, and a prince." High-stakes gambling is reported to have taken place at Oatlands. Frederica kept many dogs and was apparently very devoted to monkeys.

In a letter in May of 1801, Jane Austen shared her hope that with the Duchess's departure from Bath, food would become cheaper, particularly fish.

Nelson's father was the Reverend Edmund Nelson a Norfolk Rector from an old Norfolk family. He regularly wintered in Bath often sharing accommodation with Nelson, Nelson's wife Fanny and one of Nelson's sisters. Edmund would die the next year 1802.