‘CESTRIAE Comitatus’ (Cheshire) by Saxton / Hole c.1637

A very attractive early 17th Century map of Cheshire based on the first survey of England and Wales by Christopher Saxton and published in William Camden’s Britannia* (London: 1607-1637). This is the earliest printed map of the county at an ‘affordable’ price and was engraved by William Hole who is one of the first recorded English map engravers. This particular example is either from the 1610 or 1637 edition as there is no Latin text on the verso. Unlike with most of the maps in the atlas a plate number wasn’t added for the 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 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 30.1cms by 25.6cms. The map is in very good condition with excellent margins. Click on image for better view. Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 370 years old.