Trafalgar

traf-al-gar', a promontory on the southern coast of Spain, projecting into the Atlantic between Cadiz and the Strait of Gibraltar. It is marked by a lighthouse. The locality is famous for the naval battle of Trafalgar fought off the coast October 21, 1805. Nelson, in command of a British fleet of twenty-seven ships and four frigates, won a notable victory over a combined French and Spanish fleet of thirtythree ships and five frigates. The allies lost nineteen ships. Nelson was killed, the Spanish admiral was killed, and the French admiral was taken prisoner. The loss of the fleet was a severe blow to Napoleon and put an end to plans for a French invasion of England.