An attractive and detailed early 17th Century map of Huntingdonshire (with old, possibly original, hand colour) which was based on the first survey of England & Wales by Christopher Saxton, engraved by William Kip and published in William Camden’s Britannia* (London:1607-1637). As well as being the earliest map of Huntingdonshire at an ‘affordable’ price it is also the first detailed one dedicated solely to the county.
This particular example comes from the 1610 edition as it is without Latin text the on verso (1607 edition) nor has the four cardinal points in the borders (1637 edition)
*’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, based largely on Saxton’s surveys and engraved by William Kip and William Hole, 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 old hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 33.5cms by 27.5cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent margins; centre fold, as issued. There is a minor tear in the top margin just touching the border of the map. Click on image for better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for Postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 400 years old.
