This highly decorative map of Essex shows London at bottom left and includes a large inset with a plan of the city of Colchester. Above the plan are medallions with portraits of Roman Emperor Constantine and his parents, honoring Colchester's history as the first major city in Roman Britain. The map divides the county into its hundreds and includes up-to-date detail on towns and cities, parks, forests, hills, rivers, and more. Additional ornamentation includes the coats of arms of the Earls of Essex, two galleons and a sea monster in the sea, and a strapwork title cartouche featuring hunting dogs and owls. 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+

An excellent impression on a sturdy sheet with a coat of arms watermark, light toning along the centerfold, and an archivally repaired centerfold separation that enters 1/2" into the image at bottom. The right margin has been extended with old paper, and there are small remnants of hinge tape on verso.