This is the first printed map of southeast England, created by the father of English cartography Christopher Saxton. It was published in 1575, back when Queen Elizabeth I reigned.
The map shows Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and London. Border towns in Essex, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire are also visible.
This is one of the finest examples of Saxton's ancient map. It is in superb condition for a full colour map that's almost 450 years old, and I have spent hours lovingly restoring and enhancing bits of the map that looked too grubby or ripped.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm), and 30x40 inches (76x102cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 2.5m across. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options. This map looks truly astounding at large sizes - it would make a great centrepiece in a hotel, office or pub.
The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24 inches (46x61cm) version of this map.
Saxton's maps of the UK were incredibly important. When they were published together as the 'Atlas of the Counties of England and Wales' in 1579 they were the first atlas of any country in the world.
Most of the towns and cities of the southeast counties, and the London towns that would eventually become boroughs, are clearly visible in this map. Adding to the map's charm, most towns are spelt in their Early Modern English forms
Here are some of the towns, villages and places clearly visible in this old map: Croydon, Brighton, East Grinstead, Crawley, Chichester, Hayling Island, Petworth, Shoreham, Newhaven, Hastings, Rye, Dover, Canterbury, Isle of Sheppey, Rochester, Orpington, Greenwich, Dagenham, London, Shoreditch, Lambeth, Wandsworth, Battersea, Petersham, Richmond, Kingston, Paddington, Staines, Chertsey, Windsor, Uxbridge, Guildford, Woking, Groombridge and Tunbridge.
Take a look at the detailed images and try to spot your hometown!
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from the southeast of England or who has the southeast of England 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.