Letters from Navy commander Vice-Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson are expected to fetch up to £6 million at auction.

The historic collection consists of 415 documents, manuscripts and letters relating to the officer, who is renowned for his triumphs over French forces during the Napoleonic Wars.

Described as "the greatest collection of its kind in private hands", the lot features notes sent to his lover, Emma Hamilton, alongside his own accounts of victories and his experience learning to write using his left hand after losing his right arm in battle.

The lot, assembled over a period of 40 years by entrepreneur Clive Richard, went on display at Sotheby’s for the first time on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar – a major naval fight led by Nelson – also known as Trafalgar Day.

The lot is estimated to sell for between £4 and £6 million, with the proceeds going to the Clive Richards Foundation, which is committed to supporting education, healthcare, heritage and arts.

A lady in period…