Nelson letter found glued inside book at Midlands stately home

While cleaning and cataloguing books at Dudmaston Hall in Quatt, near Bridgnorth, helper Elizabeth Dewer found the letter tucked behind the cover.

Experts confirmed the letter, written in ink, had been written by the heroic naval commander.

However, the story took a fresh twist when it emerged a similar letter – written in black ink on tracing paper – was offered for auction in Shrewsbury last year, before subsequently being withdrawn from sale.

The letter which was discovered last year was dated January 29, 1798, and was addressed to Thomas Lloyd at 15 St Mary's Buildings, St Martin's Lane, London.

Dudmaston's Teffa Lovell said she was completely mystified to learn about the other letter, and staff were trying to get to the bottom of the riddle.

Elizabeth alerted staff when she found the letter glued into a book about Lord Nelson.

Verification of the handwriting, by comparing it with other letters already in the collection at Dudmaston, confirmed that this was written by Horatio in 1798.

Engagement and conservation assistant, Rhiannon Bramer, said: "The letter adds to the collection of Nelson letters we have at the hall.

"This was amassed by the Reverend Francis Laing, great-great grandfather of the last owner Lady Labouchere, whilst he was secretary to the governor of Malta in the late 18th century.

"It is always exciting to find something we previously didn't know was there and in such good condition too."

Though other letters in the hall's collection refer to his time on The Victory, they have primarily been written by a scribe with a short note added by Nelson at the end. This new discovery is a personal letter addressed to a Lloyd from London from the 'most affectionate Horatio Nelson'.

In the letter he talks about a visit to Bath he has made and describes how the town has some of the 'handsomest ladies'.

The letter will be on display at Dudmaston from tomorrow to Thursday, until the family rooms close.

After that the book containing the letter will stay within the hall's collection.

The work in the library will be continuing next year when the hall reopens to the public.

Normal admission charge applies. Visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dudmaston