NELSON'S HOME, ESTATE AND RELICS ARE TO BE SOLD

Wanganui Chronicle, 3 October 1947, Page 5

NELSON'S HOME, ESTATE AND RELICS ARE TO BE SOLD

(Special N.Z.P.A. Correspondent) Recd. 6 p.m. London, Oct. 2

Following. the death of Lord Nelson, aged 90, which occurred this week, Trafalgar House, the home of the Nelson family since 1806, and the 3400-acre estate near Salisbury, are to be sold by auction. This is confirmed by the new Earl Nelson, who succeeds to the title at the age of 87. The decision to sell is the direct result of a Bill which became law in June, abolishing, without compensation, after the death of the new Earl, the £5OOO annuity which was voted to the holder of the title in perpetuity. The new Earl’s son, who becomes Lord Trafalgar, is 57. He has stated that most of the fine collection of Nelson relics will also be sold, though some will be retained by

the family. The collection includes the uniform Nelson wore on the Victory, a sofa on which his arm was amputated, his watch and his telescope.

Trafalgar House has 100 rooms, including a drawing room full of Empire furniture which is rarely opened, There is a story that when the late Earl came up to London a few years ago and visited the square a policeman noticed an untidy, picturesquely dressed man staring at the column. He asked him who he I. as.

“I am Lord Nelson,” was the testy reply.

When a crowd gathered he was taken to the police station. He was released with profuse apologies next morning when it was discovered that he was, in fact, Lord Nelson.