This old and wonderful map, in its original black and white monochrome, shows the ancient county of Hertfordshire (or 'Hart ford shire') as it was in 1611. It was created by John Speed and engraved by Jodocus Hondius, and originally published in Speed's "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine".
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x36 inches (61x91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 52x70 inches (130x180cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x18 inch (61x45.5cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
I also have this same map in its
handcoloured form. Depending on your room’s aesthetic/decor, you might prefer this version.
Many of the towns, villages and cities in Hertfordshire are already visible in this ancient map, such as Hertford, Watford and St Albans. Curiously, there's a detailed engraving of Verulamium in the top right - an ancient Roman city that was situated under southwest St Albans.
The southern part of Hertfordshire in this map borders London, which means this map also includes some north London towns and villages including: High Barnet, Enfield, Waltham Abbey, Watford, Hatfield and East Barnet.
Some of the other Hertfordshire towns and villages that can also be seen on this map include: Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, St Albans, Bishop's Stortford, Hitchin, Rickmansworth, Berkhamsted and Potters Bar. But of course, many of them are spelt in their Early Modern English forms.
Take a look at the detailed images and try to spot your hometown! Remember, you can click the images to zoom in further.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas,
Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from Hertfordshire or who has Hertfordshire in their heart.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.