Catalog Archive
Auction 118, Lot 541

"Somerset-Shire described ad into Hundreds devided, with the plott of the famous and most wholsom waters and citie of the Bathe", Speed, John

Subject: England

Period: 1610 (dated)

Publication: The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain

Color: Hand Color

Size:
20 x 15 inches
50.8 x 38.1 cm
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This is a classic decorative county map from John Speed’s important English atlas. Besides presenting the most up-to-date information in his maps, Speed also included detailed city plans; in this instance of the city of Bath. This plan shows the Roman baths, as well as the earliest known representation of tennis courts. The map is decorated with the royal coat of arms, the arms of Bath and those of the Dukes of Somerset, two sailing ships and a unique compass rose incorporated into the distance scale. English text on the reverse describes the county. Imprint of John Sudbury and George Humble.

References:

Condition: A

Strong impression printed on heavy paper with good original margins. Professional paper restoration in blank margins at centerfold (barely affecting neatline) with some minor repairs on fold. Overall very good.

Estimate: $1,300 - $1,500

Sold for: $1,200

Closed on 3/6/2007

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