Lottery saves historic letters

A collection of documents dating back more than 500 years has been saved thanks to a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The fund has awarded a grant of £383,500 to Somerset County Council to buy papers of the Sanford family of Nynehead.

It contains historic treasures including correspondence about the illness and death of Elizabeth I.

A 15th century illuminated chronology of English monarchy is also included.

There are also important papers relating to the Monmouth Rebellion, including an order signed by the infamous Judge Jeffreys.

Tom Mayberry, Head of Heritage at Somerset County Council, said: "They (the Sanfords) supplied Somerset with MPs, justices, soldiers and administrators over many generations, and the collection they left behind them is vast and internationally important."