"Hartford Shire Described the Situations of Hartford, and the Most Ancient Towne S. Albons with Such Memorable Actions as Have Happened", Speed, John

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 a plan of the city of Hertford and Verolandium, the ancient Roman town near St Albans. Based on John Norden's map of 1598, the map is richly embellished with battle scenes, coats of arms, and decorative cartouches with extensive text describing the county and its history. Third state, likely engraved by Renold Elstrack (although Jodocus Hondius' imprint still appears), and published by John Sudbury and George Humble. English text on verso with the printer's signature Aa.

References: Hodson (MCC-53) #7; cf. Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1b.

Condition: B+

On a watermarked sheet with a 7" centerfold separation and short edge tear at bottom that have both been closed on verso with archival materials. There are a few minor spots and a vertical printer's crease to the right of the centerfold.