The only surviving sail from the Battle of Trafalgar has been put on for show for the public in Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
The fore topsail from Nelson’s HMS Victory will form the centrepiece of a special exhibition at the dockyard celebrating the bicentenary of the famous battle.
Covering an area of 3,600sq ft (300sq m) the sail was the second largest on board the flagship and is pock-marked by around 90 shot holes.
Frank Nowosielski, commanding officer of the HMS Victory, said: “The foresail is a unique artefact from the battle and are grateful to the team which has conserved it.”
The sail will feature in an audio and lighting presentation which includes a historical exhibition.
