Stood next to a rubbish bin and used as an ashtray by oblivious Londoners, the bollard next to Southwark Bridge is overlooked by most who pass it.

But unknown to thousands of locals and tourists who walk by everyday, the battered post holds a remarkable past.

The bollard is actually an old French cannon dating back to the late 18th Century, likely taken from ships that fought in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.

After its victory over France during the Napoleonic Wars, Britain started to strip the French boats and reuse anything of value.

When the cannons were found to be too big to be retrofitted onto British ships, they were transported back to London and showcased in the form of street bollards - a reminder of Britain’s victory.

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