Trafalgar hero, prize winner and vicar’s son

Captain Henry Digby (above fourth right ) had an extraordinary career in the Royal Navy. He established a reputation as an aggressive prize taker, capturing 57 ships in less than twenty months. His richest capture came in October 1799 when he assisted in the taking of the treasure ship, the Santa Brigida. He commanded HMS Africa at the Battle of Trafalgar, manoeuvring her into the French and Spanish fleet against orders, having been instructed by Nelson to avoid battle, fearing Digby's small 64-gun ship of the line would be overwhelmed.

His father (above left) and a brother were vicars here and are buried in church. Their ledgers are on the east side of the altar rail (above right). Captain Digby is buried at his Minterne Magna estate. The painting is a version of a dismasted HMS Africa being towed off the shoals at Trafalgar by HMS Conqueror.