These letters, written by wives, siblings and parents, were meant for crew on a French warship - but never got there. More than 260 years later, they ve been opened for the first time after a chance discovery.
Personal letters confiscated by Britain's Royal Navy 265 years ago before they could reach French sailors during the Seven Years' War have been read for the first time.
'WhatsApps of the 18th century': Contents of French love letters revealed for the first time itv.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from itv.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
For 265 years, more than 100 letters written by family members to the men serving aboard the French warship Galatée languished in piles, still sealed with red wax because they never reached their intended recipients.