THE possessions of one of the most respected astronomers of his time have all sold at auction.

One of Sir Patrick Moore's famed monocles sold at Christie's in London yesterday for £688.

And Henry Adams Auctions in Chichester sold other contents from his home at Farthings, Selsey, fetching several thousand pounds for the trustees of his estate.

There were about 150 lots with a number of personal items including Sir Patrick’s magnifying glasses and eye-catching Hawaiian shirts.

Sir Patrick, who died in 2012, lived and carried out his life's work at his West Sussex home.

Rachel Trembath, auctioneer at Henry Adams Auctions in Chichester, said: "I don't think I have ever seen a room so full of people.

"There was a lot of interest in everything - his ties alone made £120."

Among the other big sellers were an orrery - a working model of the solar system - which sold for £1,800, and a xylophone, which went for £1,500.

The auction house said the sale generated global interest, with enquiries from as far afield as Canada.