Brewery Greene King repossessed the Lord Nelson, at Burnham Thorpe, six months ago after a dispute with tenants. It said it would be refurbishing the 17th Century building before re-opening it by late spring.

Eastern Daily Press: Burnham Thorpe, where Nelson was born. Picture: Mike PageBurnham Thorpe, where Nelson was born. Picture: Mike Page (Image: �Mike Page, All Rights Reserved)

But today a spokesman for the chain said: 'A Greene King spokesperson said: 'We are working hard to find the right partner to take over the Lord Nelson and are finalising our plans for further investment.

'The Lord Nelson is a historic and unique pub and we are striving to make the correct decisions to secure the long term future of the pub. We look forward to welcoming guests old and new once the Lord Nelson reopens and we will update on timescales when we know more.'

Originally called The Plough, the pub was named after Nelson in 1798 after his victory at the battle of the Nile. Nelson, who was born in Burnham Thorpe in 1758, frequented the pub when he returned to the village in the 1780s and 90s.