A 1.5-ton chandelier has failed to sell at auction, in a further setback for fire-damaged Peterborough Cathedral.

It was hoped the sale of one of the world's largest chandeliers would raise money for the cathedral restoration.

The 160-light chandelier, 20 feet high and 15 feet wide, was commissioned in 1910 by a maharajah for his palace in West Bengal.

But it failed to reach its reserve price in a sale of 19th Century furniture and sculpture at Christie's in central London.

Obviously we are very disappointed

Dean of Peterborough Cathedral

The intricate chandelier was expected to fetch up to �200,000.

It was on display in Peterborough Cathedral after its owner spent two years restoring it.

Peter Hancox, a long-term supporter of the cathedral, was to donate part of the proceeds from the sale to the building's preservation after it was devastated by fire last November.

The fire damage is estimated at �4m. The Cambridgeshire cathedral has to raise �1.2m towards the repairs.

Others interested

The Queen, Prince Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester are among those who have made donations to the restoration programme.

The cathedral's Dean, the Very Reverend Michael Bunker, said after the auction: "Obviously we are very disappointed but it did not look like much was reaching its reserve price.

"I'm not sure what Mr Hancox plans to do now, but I'm sure there are other people interested in the chandelier."

Elephant test

The chandelier is so heavy an elephant had to be lifted up on a hook to test the strength of the Maharajah's palace ceiling before the chandelier could be hung.

It comprises more than 5,000 pieces of cut glass and 3,000 metal bolts and fittings.

Maker F&C Osler, established in Birmingham in 1807, was renowned for the size and elaborate design of its creations.