A very attractive and detailed early 17th century map of Warwickshire which appeared in William Camden’s Britannia* (London: 1607-1637). Based on the survey done by Christopher Saxton (c.1544-1610) — ‘the father of English cartography’ — this is the earliest printed map of the county which can obtained at an ‘affordable’ price.
*’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 generated and appealed to 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 new county maps by Robert Morden were added, and from 1789 to c.1815, those by the renowned John Cary.
*This particular map comes from the 1637 edition (State III) as the plate number ’29’ has been added to the bottom left corner.
- This is an original copperplate engraving with later hand colour.
- Printed area is approximately 35.2cms by 29cms.
- The map is in very good condition with decent margins. Click on image for a better view.
- Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for Postage costs.
- Guaranteed to be over 370 years old.
