A bit of the county’s medieval history has been saved thanks to one of the world's greatest libraries.

The Dering Roll, the oldest manuscript known, bearing medieval knights from Kent and Sussex was originally put up for sale at a Southerby’s auction.

But the British Library stepped in and acquired the 13th century register at a cost of £194,184.

The library raised the funds through a campaign with help from the Art Fund, the UK’s leading independent art charity, which donated £40,000 and other bodies such as the National Heritage Memorial Fund, and Friends of the British Library.

The roll tells the history of medieval English knighthood, including an attempt by the notable 17th Century politician and Lieutenant of Dover Castle, Sir Edward Dering to forge his family history.

Dering erased a coat-of-arms on the roll and replaced them with a coat-of-arms that bore the name of a fictional ancestor, Richard fitz Dering.

David Barrie, director of the Art Fund, said: “This is the oldest English heraldic manuscript known, and offers a fascinating insight into courtly life in the reign of Edward I.

“It is also a very appealing work of art which probably arose from one man’s attempt to prove the noble ancestry of his own family.

“I am delighted that The Art Fund has helped to ensure the Roll will now be permanently available, free of charge, in the nation’s greatest library.”