AN Act of Parliament from the reign of William III that effectively ensured Herefordshire would be left untouched by the industrial revolution is going under the hammer later this month.

The historic document, dating from 1697, was issued to make the Wye and Lugg rivers navigable, providing a fast means of transport for timber and people down to Bristol.

But the Act instructed commissioners to remove all obstruction, including the purchase and demolition of all weirs, mills and iron works along the riverbanks.

The manuscript is among a large number of documents being auctioned by Mullock & Madeley in Ludlow on Friday March 14.

"It can be deduced that this single Act ensured that the banks of the Wye and Lugg in Herefordshire, unlike the banks of the Severn in Shropshire, would remain rural in character and avoid the scars of the industrial revolution," explained Richard Westwood-Brookes, Mullock & Madeley's head of documents.

"Acts of parliament from such an early date are now extremely scarce on the market and this one provides a fascinating insight into Herefordshire's history."

Also in the sale is an original printed report of commissioners investigating the possibilities of building a lunatic asylum in Hereford and a number of vellum documents for various areas of the county dating from the 17th century up to the early 20th century.

"This sort of information is vital for local historians and genealogists wishing to research the history of the county," added Mr Westwood-Brookes.

Mullock & Madeley are planning to hold historical documents sales every month. Apart from local history they will also offer a wide range of autographic material, including signed photographs of modern celebrities.

Further information about the sales can be obtained from Richard Westwood-Brookes on 01568 770803 or from the auctioneers on 01694 771771.