AN historic manuscript ledger detailing the Worcestershire estates of the Foley family for the year 1800 is set to go under the hammer.

The 84-page manuscript, estimated to be worth up to £300, provides detailed information on the land holdings of the family including estates at Wribbenhall, Trimpley, Hurcott, Witley, and Malvern, as well as a small section concerning the family's estates in Middlesex.

Historical documents expert Richard Westwood-Brookes said: "This will doubtless provide considerable information to local historians and genealogist for these parts of Worcestershire almost half a century before the first census. The listings include the names of tenants, payments for gamekeeper wages, parish taxes, tithes and many other features of major estates at that time.

"Hundreds of names are listed with rents they paid and the properties they occupied, making this a most important primary source of information for Worcestershire at this time."

The ledger will be sold at auctioneer Mullock's next sale at Ludlow Racecourse on Thursday, June 21. The sale also features a wide spectrum of historical documents in many fields, including the First and Second World Wars, the English Civil War, the American War of Independence, mediaeval and Tudor documents, and even autographed poetry signed by Wordsworth.

For more information call Mullock's on 01694 771771 or contact Richard Westwood-Brookes on 01568 770803.

WHO WERE THE FOLEY FAMILY?

* Kidderminster-based Thomas Foley, the son of a successful iron manufacturer, became the High Sheriff of Worcestershire in 1656.

* He bought Witley Court in the same year and became MP for Bewdley in 1660.

* In 1667 Thomas Foley founded a hospital at Oldswinford, Stourbridge, where 60 poor boys from Worcestershire and Staffordshire between the ages of seven and 11 were selected to be fed, clothed and educated free of charge before they were turned into apprentices.

* Thomas Foley had prospered in the Civil War, supporting both sides of the conflict from his iron foundries, and became a Member of Parliament in 1659.

* He died on October 1, 1677, and was buried in the grounds of Great Witley church.

l His grandson, also named Thomas, was created Baron Foley in 1712 and was one of the 12 peers created by the Tory government to give them a House of Lords majority so they could bring about peace with the French to end the civil war in Spain.

* Thomas Foley was also a governor at Kidderminster Grammar School in 1704 - a position occupied by descendants for more than a century.

* His uncle, Paul Foley, was elected speaker of the House of Commons in 1695.

* Witley Court was sold to the Earl of Dudley in 1854 for what is believed to be £1 million.

* The eighth Baron Foley, Adrian Foley, was a song- writer and musician. His father was killed in the First World War when he was three.