A DIARY detailing plans for the siege on Colchester during the English Civil War will go on auction next month.

The historical document is a period copy of a diary complied by researcher W. Keymer on the actions of Oliver Cromwell’s Parliamentary Forces under the command of General Fairfax.

The original was put together in 1648 and it is thought this copy was made between 20 and 50 years later.

Gazette:

The piece will go under the hammer on December 4 at Lockdales of Martlesham, Suffolk.

As well as the map, the 58cm by 41cm diary gives a day-by-day account of the siege plans, between June 13 and August 22.

The lot has been given an expected sale price of between £100 and £150.

However, the auction house says that early interest indicates it could sell for a much higher sum.

Auction manager James Sadler said: “We have a fascinating piece of East Anglian history on our hands.

“The items came out of a collection of books and manuscripts.”

W. Keymer also wrote several books about the siege and its impact on Colchester.

The original document is on display in the National Army Museum in London.

The illustration details several sites which still stand in Colchester, including Mile End church, St John’s Abbey and the castle.

Mersea Road and London Road can also be spotted on the map.

The item is being sold on behalf of a private seller.

Further details about Keymer’s life are not known by the auctioneers.