 On 28 February 1835 his father inherited the title Earl Nelson from William Nelson, 1st Earl Nelson and adopted the surname of Nelson.He died on 1 November that year, and his son Horatio succeeded to the title and the estate, Trafalgar House in Wiltshire.He was educated at Prebendal School, Eton College and Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was president of the University Pitt Club.