"Bedford Shire and the Situation of Bedford Described with the Armes of Thos Honorable Familyes that Have Borne ye Titles of Dukes and Earls Thereof", Speed, John
Subject: Eastern England
Period: 1610 (dated)
Publication: The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine
Color: Hand Color
Size:
19.9 x 14.9 inches
50.5 x 37.8 cm
This highly decorative map of Bedfordshire includes a large inset with a plan of the city of Bedford. Additional ornamentation includes putti holding a terrestrial sphere and an armillary sphere, the coats of arms of important families in Bedford, and the Royal arms. Engraved by Jodocus Hondius and sold by George Humble. English text on verso, published between 1627-32.
References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1e.
Condition: B+
A dark impression on a bright sheet with a bunch of grapes watermark. There is light printer's ink residue, a printer's crease at bottom center, and light dampstains along the edges of the sheet, entering the image a bit in a few spots. There are several small chips and tears along the edges of the sheet, several of which have been closed with paper tape on verso.
