Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber's rare Victorian manuscript has failed to sell at auction in London.

His William Morris-illustrated, hand-written version of Virgil's Aeneid went under the hammer at Christie's, London on Wednesday.

The 1875 manuscript is jewelled, written on vellum and includes pre-Raphaelite drawings from the artist Edward Burne-Jones, famous for his work at the Oxford Union debating chamber.

Christie's described the manuscript as "the most important Victorian illuminated manuscript to ever appear at auction".

But it failed to reach its reserve price.

The book is illustrated with 12 large designs and a translation of Roman author Virgil's original work.

The manuscript was the biggest collaboration between Morris - noted for his epic poem The Earthly Paradise - and Burne-Jones.

They worked together for some 20 years on many projects.

Lloyd Webber is a keen collector of Victorian art

Before the sale, Tom Lamb, the director of Christie's Book Department said: "This is more a work of art than a book and uniquely fuses the art and aesthetic ideals of the era."

Lord Lloyd-Webber, a keen collector of Victorian art, said: "The Morris Aeneid is one of the jewels of my collection.

"But it is a book, a hugely delicate manuscript, and over the years I have become aware that I do not have the facilities for such an important work to be displayed.

"I myself do not view it enough to justify keeping it and although it is a huge wrench to sell it, I feel it should find a home where others could enjoy it more."

A Christie's spokeswoman said the book had received a lot of interest.