AN ARCHIVE of photos which depict Iraq in a bygone era are to go on sale in Swindon.

The photos date from World War I and the years up to 1932 when the country was ruled as a British Mandate.

It achieved full independence in 1932.

The photos show locations such as Baghdad, Najaf and Basra, which have become synonymous with the current conflict.

There are also street scenes, views and studies of historic monuments.

Three separate collections of photos are to go on sale at Dominic Winter Book Auctions, mostly taken by British army officers.

Dominic Winter said: "They are very interesting.

"What immediately goes through my mind is what it now looks like.

"Looking at all the street scenes and mosques I wonder how many are still standing now.

"History repeats itself, we were there in the First World War and the Second World War and now we are there again.

"It's a problem that's been there for 100 years.

"From the photos the country has a sort of calm serene quality which must be a far cry from what it's like right now."

Also up for auction in the same sale is a library of 2,000 books belonging to famous Avebury resident Sir Ludovic Kennedy.

The 83-year-old writer, broadcaster and political activist moved to Avebury in 1986 with his wife the former ballet dancer Moira Shearer.

The pair left their 18th century cottage in the stone circle village at the beginning of this year.

They are understood to have moved to serviced accommodation in Oxfordshire.

Among the books in the sale is a complete set of Sir Ludovic's own works, many of them signed.

There are also around 150 books containing personal inscriptions that were sent to him by other writers, politicians and prominent figures.

These include a book signed by Third Reich era German architect Albert Speer and works by famous politicians such as David Steel and Roy Jenkins. Other items up for sale include a Christmas card signed by Charles and Diana.

The card, dated 1983, shows Charles in kilt and Diana sitting on a swing next to him it is expected to fetch up to £600.

There is also a photograph taken in the 1930s of Winston Churchill with Charlie Chaplin.

One of the most costly lots is a collection of early photographs which date from the 1850s.

They mostly depict members of the Scottish Burton family but there are also famous figures such as Charles Darwin and Lord Gladstone. The list price for this last lot is between £3,000 and £5,000.

The sale of printed books, maps and photography takes place at Dominic Winter, Book Auctions, Maxwell Street, on Wednesday, April 9, at 11am.

For more details call 611430.

www.dominicwinter.co.uk