A very attractive early 17th Century map of Anglesey [Welsh: Ynys Mon]* based on the first survey of the county by Christopher Saxton and published in William Camden’s Britannia** (London: 1607-1637). As well as being the earliest printed map of Anglesey at an ‘affordable’ price, it is also the first detailed one dedicated solely to the island. Due to the style of engraving, it was most likely the work of the engraver, William Hole.
*This particular example is from the 1637 edition as there is a plate number ’45’ in the bottom left corner.
**’Britannia’, first published in 1586, was one of the most popular and influential books of the period. The work of the Elizabethan antiquarian, William Camden (1551-1623), it was a detailed historical and topographical description of Great Britain. Its patriotic sentiments, in particular, both appealed to and generated the growing sense of nationalism that was coursing through late Tudor / early Stuart society. Between 1607 and 1637, county maps engraved by William Kip and William Hole, and based largely on Saxton’s surveys, were added. These maps have the distinction of being the first set to show each county individually as opposed to several being grouped together on one page. Camden’s Britannia continued to be published well into the 19th century; from 1695 to 1772, county maps by Robert Morden were used, and from 1789 to c.1815, those by the renowned John Cary.
- This is an original copperplate engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 17.8cms by 25cms.
- The map is in very good condition. The left margin is close, as issued; this is due to the map being (nearly) always printed on a single page. Click on image for better view.
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- Guaranteed to be over 375 years old.
