A historic pub named after Lord Nelson has been bought by the Holkham Estate.

Eastern Daily Press: The Lord Nelson pub at Burnham Thorpe. Picture: Ian BurtThe Lord Nelson pub at Burnham Thorpe. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant 2018)

The Lord Nelson pub in the legendary admiral's home village of Burnham Thorpe was put up for sale by owner, Suffolk-based brewer Greene King.

The brewer closed it down in 2016 after a row with the former landlords Debbie and Peter De Groeve.

Acting as sole agents, Everard Cole said that Greene King had exchanged contracts on the sale of the historic pub to Holkham Estate.

The Lord Nelson is a focal point of the village positioned facing the River Burn, recreation grounds and bowls club.

Eastern Daily Press: Residents of Burnham Thorpe outside The Lord Nelson pub after it closed. Picture: David BlackResidents of Burnham Thorpe outside The Lord Nelson pub after it closed. Picture: David Black (Image: David Black)

Originally named The Plough, the pub is known to have bee frequented by Nelson and was renamed in his honour in 1798 after the battle of the Nile (Abu Qir).

The Holkham Estate will be working closely with the local stakeholders to refurbish, improve and successfully reopen the pub, offering food, drink and a social hub for residents and visitors as well as creating jobs in the village.

Commercial property consultancy Everard Cole was instructed by Greene King to sell the freehold interest of the premises.

Jordan Hackney, who brokered the sale, said: "Due to the high levels of interest and multiple offers we received for the Lord Nelson, concluding in a formal tender process, we are delighted to have exchanged contracts on the sale to Holkham Estate.

Eastern Daily Press: Lord Nelson, captured in stained glass at the village hall in Burnham Thorpe. Picture: ArchantLord Nelson, captured in stained glass at the village hall in Burnham Thorpe. Picture: Archant (Image: Archant)

"This is a local landmark and much loved and renowned pub. We are sure that locals and historians alike will be thrilled to learn it will

be in safe hands for generations to come."

Greene King had previously hoped to re-open the pub itself with a new landlord and in 2018 applied for permission to extend and alter the building, which was opened in 1637.

The Friends of Burnham Thorpe group registered the pub as an asset of community value in 2016, and spokesman David Black said earlier this year that the pub would need extensive renovations after sitting empty.

Nelson was born a stone's throw away from the Walsingham Road pub, at the nearby parsonage, in 1758.