Buyer sinks £50k into cabinet with Nelson link

A nautical-themed cabinet made of timber from Admiral Lord Nelson’s wrecked flagship has sold for more than £50,000.

HMS Foudroyant carried the naval hero for 12 months during his time hunting the French fleet in the Mediterranean in the late 18th century.

A century later the 80-gun ship was a tourist attraction moored off Blackpool when it broke up in a storm. Local craftsmen used the flotsam from the wreck to make furniture.

Fashioned in the shape of the stern of the Foudroyant by Goodall Lamb & Heighway of Manchester, it carries a portrait plaque of Nelson. It was sold by auctioneer Michael Bowman.