A new book on the life of one of Maldon's most famous historic characters will be published in December.

Thomas Plume, founder of Maldon's Plume Library and the man who the local secondary school is named after, was born in the town in 1630 and went on to lead a prominent and fascinating life.

The age through which Thomas lived was filled with intellectual, scientific and religious debate and as a clergyman with interests that included astrology and philosophy, as well a great concern for education of the poor, this book is sure to make for a great read for those interested in finding out more about the man and the times he lived in.

When he died in 1704, Thomas Plume left his collection of more than 8,000 books, pamphlets, manuscripts, some paintings and other items, housed in the Plume Library building on the corner of Market Hill and the High Street, to the town.

The book, entitled 'Dr Thomas Plume, 1630-1704: His life and legacies in Essex, Kent and Cambridge' is edited by R A Doe and C C Thornton.

It costs £18.99 and be purchased online at the UH Press website here.