Hoste family documents for sale at Fakenham auction

Documents relating to the great British naval hero Captain Sir William Hoste, who was mentored in his early career by Horatio Lord Nelson, will be going under the hammer at an auction in Fakenham on Monday.

The documents up for sale at James and Son auction house, Norwich Street, include bills, receipts and correspondence relating to the Hoste family's estates in Norfolk.

Sir William was born at Ingoldisthorpe and his family later moved to Godwick Hall, near Tittleshall. The Hoste at Burnham Market is named in his honour. He was just 12 when Nelson took him on as captain's servant on board HMS Agamemnon and he won the admiration of Nelson for his gallantry. At just 18, Hoste became an acting captain and later served as captain on a number of ships. He famously triumphed at the Battle of Lissa, despite being heavily outnumbered by a French fleet.

Pictured is a vellum document described as the last will and testament of William Hoste Esq., deceased, and official sealed certificates.