‘MONUMETHENSIS COMITATUS, QUEM OLIM INCOLUERUNT SILURES’ by Saxton / Hole c.1637 (on good paper)

An interesting and attractive early 17th Century map of Monmouthshire which appeared in William Camden’s Britannia* (London: 1607-1637). This is the earliest printed map of the county which can be acquired at an ‘affordable’ price and was engraved by William Hole who is also one of the earliest recorded English map engravers. This particular example is from the 1637 edition which had the (plate) number ’37’ added to the bottom left of the map. *’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 later hand colour. Printed area is approximately 34.3cms by 27.8cms. The map is in very good condition, printed on good quality paper and with decent margins; vertical folds, as issued. Click on image for better view. Click on ‘Delivery Policy’ for postage costs. Guaranteed to be over 380 years old.