A COUPLE of rare books which date back to the 17th century are due to hit the market at a special sale in Kirkbymoorside next month.

The books, which were found during a house clearance, are in good condition and currently on display at Ryedale Auctioneers run by Angus Ashworth.

Angus, who set up the business just before Christmas, said the books were both unusual.

“One book is dated 1655 and is about Stonehenge while the other, written in 1689 is about the government of James II,” he said.

“The Stonehenge book is illustrated with maps and drawings and both books are written in old English.

“A price has been set for each but I would expect that to fly above that on the day as they are unusual books and the Stonehenge one is particularly rare.”

Angus trained as an auctioneer after leaving Ryedale School and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan with the Territorial Army. Following a spell with his family’s deep sea engineering company at Kirby Mills, he decided to return to auctioneering and establish his own business.

“I still had a passion for auctioneering and when this site came up I decided to give it a go. As well as auctions I will be holding regular sales and I am also planning to put on art exhibitions. At the moment I am mainly working by myself with the help of family and friends.”

Angus will be holding a military and sporting sale on February 26, while the books will be auctioned at an antique sale on March 26.