RARE Ampleforth College books dating back hundreds of years are going under the hammer in Leyburn.

The antiques, from Ampleforth Abbey Trust’s collection, include volumes dating from the 16th to the early-20th centuries.

They cover a whole host of subjects such as natural history, law, philosophy, cartography, history, art and of course religion.

One of the earliest books in the collection is a copy of "Cosmographia" by Sebastian Münster (1488-1552).

Cosmographia was the earliest German language description of the world, first published in 1544.

Covering astronomy, mathematics, geography and cartography, the book is illustrated with woodcuts - some by Hans Holbein the Younger - and was one of the most successful popular books of the age.

A total of 24 editions were published over the span of 100 years translated into Latin, English, Czech and the present Italian edition was published in 1558. The book is offered at Tennants of Leyburn with an estimate of £500 to £1,000, plus 20 per cent buyer’s premium.

Other interesting lots will include bound folios of 18th-century prints, 18th-century French cookery books and a volume entitled "An Essay upon the Art of Love" by S Jenks from 1702.

Another intriguing volume is the "Survay of London" by John Stow dating back to 1618.

The items will be included in the books, maps and ephemera Sale at Tennants auction house in Leyburn on March 7.

Further works of art from the Ampleforth Abbey Trust will be sold in a spring fine art sale on March 17.