Charles Dickens’ writing table and chair which he used to pen Great Expectations are due to go under the auctioneer’s hammer.

Reports suggest that the sale, at Christie’s in June, could raise anything up to £80,000, proceeds of which will go to Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Although such esteemed relics are unlikely to be sold at smaller auctions outside the capital, you never know what might be up for grabs.

Contact your local auctioneers and see what sales they have in the pipeline and the stories that lie behind them.