THE treasured and unique contents of a Worcestershire country house are to go under the hammer next month and auctioneers are expecting worldwide interest.

Following the death of 76-year-old Lady Maria Coventry at Chelten-ham racecourse on Saturday, November 17, Philip Serell, the Worcestershire auctioneers, has been instructed by the executors to conduct a sale of her possessions.

Furniture, jewellery and personal items including invitations to The Queen's Coronation, are expected to attract considerable interest when they appear at auction in the Malvern saleroom on Thursday, February 7, at 10.30am.

Auctioneer Philip Serrell said: "The furniture, which predominantly dates from the 18th Century, is sure to be keenly contested. Unfortunately, Lady Maria suffered a burglary, so while a lot of her jewellery was taken, there are two or three stunning pieces.

"Fascinating ephemera as one can only imagine of a titled family, including invitations to The Coronation, and gifts given by Queen Mary, are just a few of the discoveries.

"We are expecting interest for this sale from around the world and I have no doubt that the eclectic mix that such a sale offers is sure to attract a massive crowd."

Lady Maria was born at Croome Court, Worcestershire, in 1931, the third daughter to the 10th Earl of Coventry and the Countess of Coventry.

After a childhood spent in the county and Wales, she became one of the leading debutantes of 1949.

After living in Somerset, Wales and Yorkshire she moved back to Worcestershire in 1974 to the family estate.

She was one of the leading master of the hunts and a prize-winning rally driver, after winning the 1,200 mile Monte Carlo Dash in 1990.

Viewing for the auction is on Wednesday, February 6, from 2pm to 8pm and catalogues are available from the auctioneers for £5.

For more information about the auction visit their website www.serell.com or call the saleroom on 01684 892314.