A rare lock of Lord Admiral Nelson’s hair is heading to auction. Experts estimate the plaited strand will sell for £400 to £500, drawing interest from collectors and history enthusiasts alike.
Discovery of Lord Admiral Nelson’s Hair in a Recycling Skip
Back in the 1980s, a man working at a recycling skip in Anglesey discovered the lock of hair. Alongside it, he found a handwritten letter dated 1911. In the letter, a professor described the hair as a “genuine relic” of Lord Admiral Nelson. The man held onto the hair for over four decades.
Legacy of Lord Admiral Nelson in British Naval History
Horatio Nelson, born in 1758 in Burnham Thorpe, Norfolk, joined the Royal Navy at just 12 years old. He served on a ship commanded by his maternal uncle and quickly rose through the ranks. Nelson became known for bold tactics and leadership during the Napoleonic Wars.
At the Battle of Trafalgar, he led British forces in a decisive victory against the French and Spanish fleets. His actions helped prevent a potential invasion by Napoleon. However, a French sniper fatally shot him during the battle, making Trafalgar his final triumph.
Auctioneer Highlights the Significance of Nelson’s Hair Relic
Simon Bower, the auctioneer managing the sale, praised the item as an “amazing find.” He explained that the man recovered the hair and letter during a time when skip salvaging was unregulated.
“Back then, people could take what they found. Today, you’d need permission,” Bower noted.
He added that similar historical relics can sell from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand, depending on their documentation and historical background.
Who Will Win the Auction for Lord Admiral Nelson’s Hair?
Buyers interested in Lord Admiral Nelson’s hair could include museums or private collectors. Bower said the item’s future depends on who sees greater value in preserving it—public institutions or individual buyers. Regardless, he hopes the hair ends up with someone who will respect and showcase its importance.
A Rare Piece of Britain’s Naval Past
This lock of hair is more than just a relic. It offers a direct connection to one of Britain’s most respected naval leaders. Lord Nelson’s bravery and sacrifice helped shape the course of European history.
The upcoming auction offers a rare opportunity to own a physical piece of that history. Whether displayed in a museum or treasured privately, Lord Admiral Nelson’s hair represents a lasting tribute to a national hero.
