A NEW painting has been unveiled to mark the historic significance of a former pub where it is thought Lord Nelson secretly met his lover Lady Hamilton.
Owner Brett Hammond held a ceremony to celebrate the new painting being put up on the side of the former Three Cups pub in Church Street, Harwich.
The pub was built as a Tudor mansion next to St Nicholas Church in about 1500 and opened as an inn sometime in the 16th century.
It is now a private residence, home to Brett, his wife Tanja and their sons Aaron and Ethan.
Brett said: “It was amazing.
“I think this is really positive for Harwich, for the history of Harwich and making the most of it.
“We moved here three years ago as I moved my business here and because there are so many old buildings in Harwich I wanted one.”
Brett, who runs Timeline Auctions from the former magistrates’ court in Main Road, Dovercourt, bought the Three Cups in October 2015.
He added: “So many members if royalty have stayed there. Some amazing things have happened in that building in the past.
“There was a painting on the side but it had been up for about 25 years, it was weathered and had faded almost to white.”
Brett commissioned a new painting of Lord and Lady Nelson and Lady Emma Hamilton drinking from three cups, embellished with over 250 Sheets of gold leaf, by local artist Simon Sharman.
Lord Nelson’s infamous affair with the captivating Lady Hamilton is reputed to have lasted six years and was one of the biggest scandals of the early 19th century.
Kings, queens, princes and the nobility also visited the Three Cups.
Queen Isabella and her son waited for their horses after landing at Harwich in September 1326, with Roger Mortimer, the Queen’s lover, to fight against her husband Edward II.
About 70 people attended the ceremony in front of St Nicholas Church, serenaded by a string trio from London led by violinist Adrian Garratt.
James Cole, Harwich Town Crier, began proceedings with bell ringing and a cry, and town mayor John Brown gave a speech.
Brett has also created a website page about the history of the Three Cups.
He said: “I wanted to know more about it and hopefully it will encourage more people to the area.”
For more information about the former pub visit www.thethreecups.com
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