Historic cast iron seating nets £40,000

Decorative iron garden furniture built by the famous Coalbrookdale foundry in Shropshire more than 100 years ago has fetched almost £40,000 at auction.

The 11 cast iron seats, dating back to the 19th century, were snapped up by buyers from as far afield as Switzerland and the United States at the auction in Billingshurst, West Sussex, yesterday.

By the end of the 19th century the Coalbrookdale foundry and surrounding area was known as one of the biggest iron manufacturing regions in the world.

The lots were believed to be the company's first attempts at adding decorative castings to its repertoire.

Auctioneer James Rylands, of Summers Place Auctions where the sales took place, said: "We have always been big fans of Coalbrookdale furniture and this was one of the biggest selections we have been able to offer.

"It was a truly international mix in terms of buyers and we were delighted with how they sold."

The biggest seller was a Coalbrookdale Passion Flower pattern cast iron seat which fetched £6,800.