by Vicki Robinson
IT was the greatest victory in the Royal Navy's history.
At the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, our fleets defeated Spanish and French ships, finally sinking Napoleon's attempts to invade Britain.
Yesterday – 200 years on – the country marked its gratitude to the Navy and its leader Lord Nelson who was fatally injured in the final confrontation.
And Leeds paid its own respects as sea cadets from the city's TS Ark Royal staged a special commemoration.
At the side of the River Aire, they lit one of 1,000 beacons positioned across the UK to form a blazing chain of light.
And they raised the Royal Navy's White Ensign flag, saluting as it flew high over the waters.
They were joined by people from across the city, many of whom had either served in the Navy or had family or friends who were seamen.
Able cadet Matthew Davison said: "It's a big moment in history and it is important to mark it."
The first of the UK torches was lit beside Nelson's warship HMS Victory in Portsmouth by Her Majesty the Queen. She later went on to dine in Nelson's cabin and made a live broadcast to the nation.
But the beacon lighting was just one of a series of events to mark the 200th anniversary of Trafalgar.
Wreath
Earlier in the day, Britain's most senior sailors laid wreaths at St Paul's Cathedral and on Victory.
Prayers were said as a 60-strong Navy band performed on ship, while buglers played at a sombre ceremony at the London church.
Second Sea Lord Sir James Burnell-Nugent laid wreaths aboard the Victory and below deck - reputed to be the exact spot where Nelson died after being shot by the French during the battle.
First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Alan West laid a wreath at Nelson's tomb in St Paul's, and crew members of HMS Chatham were due to lay another at Cape Trafalgar in southern Spain.
At 1200 BST bells were rung on Royal Navy warships around the world to mark the moment Nelson went into battle.
As well as a host of such formal activities, there will be thousands of small-scale events over the weekend, ranging from celebratory breakfasts, to parades, concerts and fireworks spectaculars.
The Leeds sea cadets, along with others from across the district will parade through Harrogate town centre tomorrow.
Events will end later that day with a march to London's Trafalgar Square before church bells peal throughout the UK to commemorate those who died in maritime conflict.
vicki.robinson@ypn.co.uk