[Archived] Final War of 1812 Bicentennial Lecture-Andrew Lambert-September 4

Featuring British Naval Historian Andrew Lambert When John Bull Came to Town: Alexandria in the War of 1812

Since 2001 Andrew Lambert has been the Laughton Professor of Naval History in the Department of War Studies, Kings College London.  He is author of the highly acclaimed Nelson; Britannia’s God of War (2004) and The Challenge—Britain Against America in the Naval War of 1812 (2012), and he wrote and presented for the BBC television series War at Sea.  Professor Lambert is now writing a biography of Charles Napier, Captain of the 36-gun frigate Euryalus, who joined Captain James Alexandria Gordon, Captain of the 38-gun frigate Seahorse and other supporting naval ships in the brilliantly executed August 1814 ascension of the Potomac River and capture of Alexandria.  

Captain Napier, who would rise to be one of the most popular and visionary British Admirals in the Victorian era, carefully noted the appearance of the town, the design of its buildings, its commerce, and its culture during his 1814 “visit.”  In addition to sharing these observations, Professor Lambert, who has previously visited and conducted research in Alexandria and Washington, will describe the Battle of the Potomac, a battle in which Captain Napier was wounded by friendly fire.

Cost is $10 per person; doors open at 7:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit shop.alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.4242. Seating is limited and advance purchase is recommended. Free parking available on site. 

This lecture is part of a larger city-wide commemoration of the War of 1812.  Events include concerts, a film series, and specialty tours.  For more information and a complete listing of Bicentennial events, visit visitalexandriava.com/1812.