Historical books on stately home to go under the hammer

An "unprecedented" collection of historical books connected to one of the country's best known stately homes is to go under the hammer, an auctioneer said yesterday.

The five books, all relating to Stowe House, Buckingham, are expected to attract worldwide interest when they go on sale later this week.

Northamptonshire-based auctioneer Jonathan Humbert said tomorrow's sale may possibly be the first time the five books are gathered together in one room.

Stowe House was the seat of the Temple and Grenville families from the 17th Century until the World War I and was renowned for being open to visitors from the 18th Century up until the present day.

In 1848, overspending led to bankruptcy and a great sale of the contents of the house. The Stowe Estate was later sold again in 1921 then resold - with the house and gardens separated from the contents once again.