Catalog Archive
Auction 195, Lot 470

"The Road from London to Shrewsbury Continued to Welshpool com: Montgom: in North Wales...", Ogilby, John

Subject: Western England & Wales

Period: 1675 (circa)

Publication: Britannia

Color: Hand Color

Size:
16.8 x 13.3 inches
42.7 x 33.8 cm
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John Ogilby's 'Britannia' was published between 1675 and 1698. It is a landmark in the mapping of England and Wales. Its unique format constituted the first national road-atlas of any country in Western Europe. It was composed of maps of seventy-three major roads and cross-roads, presented in a continuous strip-form, on a uniform scale of one inch to a mile. Each beautiful map includes wonderful detail of the countryside with each strip containing a large compass rose to indicate changes in direction.

This strip-style map covers the road from Meriden, through Birmingham to Shrewsbury, and then continuing just over the border to Welshpool, Wales, in seven strips totaling 77 miles. The sixth strip is separated into two sections, with the first ending at Shrewsbury and the second beginning at Shrewsbury. Each of the panels has a decorative compass rose to orient the traveler. The lovely strapwork title cartouche includes fruit and the royal coat of arms.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.OGIL-4a #50.

Condition: A

There is some minor toning, a bit of foxing, and light dampstains in the blank margins.

Estimate: $300 - $375

Sold for: $450

Closed on 11/15/2023

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