Victorian and Edwardian painting specialist Simon Toll admitted the original estimation had been “modest”.

A GLORIOUS 19th Century painting of Ely Cathedral sold for �38,000 at auction - more than double its expected value.

The 1886 artwork by Keeley Halswelle was predicted to fetch between �10,000 and �15,000 when it was opened to bidders at Sotheby’s in London.

However the 36 x 54 inch oil on canvas painting, which was signed and dated by the artist and said to be in good condition, cost the buyer a grand total of �46,850 after premiums.

Victorian and Edwardian painting specialist Simon Toll admitted the original estimation had been “modest”.

He added that it would make a wonderful item for the buyer and said it had attracted a great deal of interest from train enthusiasts and those with strong connections to Ely.

Passing Storm depicts a steam train running through the foreground with the stunning cathedral behind.

“To have a steam train in the picture now looks quite quaint but it was depicting something very modern at the time,” Mr Toll said.