Historic Maps
1610 Map "The Countie of Nottingham described..." by Cartographer John Speed & Engraved by Jodocus Hondius
1610-Dated, Hand-Colored English Map titled: "The Countie of Nottingham described The Shire Townes Situation and the Earls there of observed," by Cartographer John Speed, Engraved by Jodocus Hondius, Very Good.
This English Map has Hand-color, measures 21" x 16.25" being from John Speed's historic atlas, "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain" produced in 1612. It has been laid down on heavy cardboard for prior framing causing overall uniform heavy tone to the paper. This Map shows an inset plan of "Nottingham." It has a large cartouche featuring Putti with his bow & arrows, Pheasants, Crown and Coats of Arms and much more. Below at right are Coats of Arms for Ferrers, Mowbray, Barkley, Fitz Roy and Howard. The vertical joint for its double-sheet at center is as made, due to being published in the oversize Atlas. The colors remain quite strong and this Map would look good nicely reframed for display.
John Speed (1552-1629) is arguably the most famous English cartographer of any period as a result of his atlas "The Theatre Of The Empire Of Great Britaine" in which his maps of the individual counties appeared. The maps are perhaps the best known and amongst the most sought-after of all county maps. The maps themselves were derived from the best and most up-to-date sources available.



However, Speed also made innovations of his own - introducing town plans on many of the maps, vignette scenes of topographical, historical or archaeological interest and also the coats of arms of local Earls and Dukes. The overall effect is to produce very decorative, attractive and informative maps.