Edward Riou - Memorials

Memorials

Nelson, who had not known him before this expedition, had conceived a great affection for Riou, and wrote 'In poor dear Riou the country has sustained an irreparable loss.' The naval historian Sir Jahleel Brenton declared that he had all the qualities of a perfect officer. Parliament commemorated his memory with a memorial in St Paul's Cathedral. The poet Thomas Campbell wrote The Battle of the Baltic, with the lines

Brave hearts! To Britain's pride,
Once so faithful and so true,
On the deck of fame that died
With the gallant, good Riou

—Thomas Campbell, The Battle of the Baltic