Glamorgan by Christopher Saxton and William Hole

Code: 53935

Date: 1637

Long title: Glamorgan Comitatus, qui olim pars silurum.   Copper engraving with later hand colouring. Overall size : 37.5cms x 31.7cms.  Image size: 334mm x 271mm. Title in cartouche top left  and scale of distance surmounted by dividers bottom left. compass rose, monster  and sailing ship in the sea. Watermarked paper. Centre fold as issued. Brown line in margin from old mount; some darkening to blank areas as is often the case with these maps and so is a Seventeenth Century flaw else very good condition.

This series of maps were the first in which each county was delineated on a separate sheet.  They were prepared by William Kip and William Hole and were mainly based on those of Christopher Saxton and Norden. The first issue of these maps was in 1607 with Latin text on the back of the maps and as the paper on which they are printed is rather thin, the lettering sometimes shows through on to the front of the map.  In the subsequent two editions of 1610 and 1637 the maps had no text on the back and plate numbers were added to many maps for the 1637 edition.  The maps were not issued again.  The layout , calligraphy and general appearance of these maps are very similar to their Saxton counterparts.  They were the first to carry the new Arms of James 1st with the unicorn replacing the dragon as a supporter.