The sail was discovered by auctioneers Bonhams in Ipswich

The rectangular piece of canvas measuring 35cm by 21cm (13.7in x 8.3in) has been unearthed in East Anglia by Bonhams auctioneers it said on Monday.

The sail fragment, which has a musket shot hole in it, was taken to the auctioneer's office in Ipswich.

It will form part of a Nelson memorabilia sale in London on 5 July.

Bonhams said the sail fragment had been checked by experts at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich, London.

It is thought to have been cut from the sail by a souvenir hunter after the 1805 Battle of Trafalgar.

A series of events are taking place around the country to commemorate the victory and the death of the Norfolk-born hero Nelson.