Rare Edition Of John Speed’s Devonshire
Historical map of Devonshire (modern-day Devon, England), titled "Devonshire with Excester Described". It was created by the renowned English cartographer John Speed and first published in 1611 as part of his famous atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine.
The map measures 20 x 14 3/4 inches. Trimmed to map border. Possibly 1627 edition. Folds are visible. Very heavy paper or vellum.
Excellent color. Repaired puncture near center as shown.
Key Features of the Map
Inset City Plan: The top-right corner features a detailed inset plan of Exeter (then spelled "Excester"), identifying major streets, gates, and 48 churches. This inset is based on an earlier 1587 survey by Georg Braun.
Heraldry: The left side displays two rows of armorial coats of arms belonging to noble families who held titles in Devonshire and Exeter, including the Courtney, Beaufort, Stafford, and Cecil families. The Royal coat of arms is also prominently featured.
Geographical Detail: The map illustrates major rivers like the Plym, Ex, and Dart, along with prominent topographical features such as Dartmoor.
Cartographic Error: Notably, the map contains a famous error where the Mount Edgcumbe area is shown in Cornwall rather than Devon.
Historical map of Devonshire (modern-day Devon, England), titled "Devonshire with Excester Described". It was created by the renowned English cartographer John Speed and first published in 1611 as part of his famous atlas, The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine.
The map measures 20 x 14 3/4 inches. Trimmed to map border. Possibly 1627 edition. Folds are visible. Very heavy paper or vellum.
Excellent color. Repaired puncture near center as shown.
Key Features of the Map
Inset City Plan: The top-right corner features a detailed inset plan of Exeter (then spelled "Excester"), identifying major streets, gates, and 48 churches. This inset is based on an earlier 1587 survey by Georg Braun.
Heraldry: The left side displays two rows of armorial coats of arms belonging to noble families who held titles in Devonshire and Exeter, including the Courtney, Beaufort, Stafford, and Cecil families. The Royal coat of arms is also prominently featured.
Geographical Detail: The map illustrates major rivers like the Plym, Ex, and Dart, along with prominent topographical features such as Dartmoor.
Cartographic Error: Notably, the map contains a famous error where the Mount Edgcumbe area is shown in Cornwall rather than Devon.
