Speed's "Heptarchy" Map Depicting the Saxon Kingdoms

"Britain as It Was Devided in the Tyme of the Englishe-Saxons Especially During Their Heptarchy", Speed, John

This famous map of the Saxon kingdoms is often referred to as the 'Speed Heptarchy.' It is one of the decorative masterpieces from Speed's important English atlas. The seven vignettes on the left side depict the early Saxon kings, and those on the right side show the conversion to Christianity of seven other kings. The map covers all of England and Scotland in detail, with only the eastern part of Ireland shown with a few place names. Coats of arms are placed within the map to locate the various kingdoms. Three strapwork cartouches and a compass rose further embellish the map. This is a superb example of the array of illustrative features and cartographic detail for which Speed is so famous. With the imprint of Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell. English text on verso with an extensive explanation.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1j; Shirley (MCC-97) #317; Moreland & Bannister p. 215.

Condition: B

A nice impression on a sheet with a fleur de lis watermark, dampstaining, toning along the centerfold, a printer's crease at bottom right, and some separations along an extraneous crease adjacent to the centerfold that have been closed on verso with archival tape. There are a number of small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet.