Old Bay of Alicant, France Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Alicante Castle, Fortifications, Coastal Depths

Product Description of "The Bay of Alicant" by William Heather

Introduction to the Map and Its Uniqueness
"The Bay of Alicant," crafted meticulously by the renowned British hydrographer William Heather in 1802, stands as a remarkable historical artifact. This chart, part of Heather's ambitious "New Mediterranean Pilot," marks a significant British foray into Mediterranean cartography, a field previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish mapmakers. The chart is distinguished by its orientation with northwest at the top, a unique feature that sets it apart from its contemporaries. This rare chart not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a detailed pictorial representation of Alicante, a strategic port city on Spain's southeastern coast.

Detailed Features and Cartographic Elements
The map offers an intricate depiction of the Bay of Alicant, highlighting various nautical and topographical details. It includes precise soundings measured in fathoms, essential for mariners navigating the shallow waters. The coastline is adorned with the town of Alicante, prominently featuring its formidable castle perched on a hill, overseeing the bay. Fortifications like forts and coastal towers are meticulously marked, illustrating their historical military significance. The chart also notes the presence of natural obstacles such as sandbars and reefs, crucial for maritime safety.

Navigational and Topographical Insights
Beyond its utility for navigation, the chart provides a snapshot of the area's topographical layout. Notable features like Cape Houerta and Rochers Bank are clearly indicated, offering insights into the geographical challenges faced by sailors of the era. The depiction of the mole—a massive structure in the harbor—underscores its role in protecting anchored ships from the bay's harsh currents, which are also meticulously charted. This level of detail not only aided navigators but now serves as a historical record of the region’s maritime infrastructure.

Artistic and Historical Value
William Heather’s work is renowned for its artistic merit, evident in the fine engraving and attention to detail. The visual representation of Alicante, with its architectural and natural elements, conveys a sense of the city’s aesthetic during the early 19th century. Each engraved line and monogram, attributed to the London engraver John Stephenson, reflects a high level of craftsmanship, making this chart a collectible piece for both historians and art enthusiasts.

Significance in the Broader Context of Mediterranean Mapping
"The Bay of Alicant" is not just a navigational tool but a cultural artifact, capturing a moment in the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean. Its creation during a period when English cartographers were beginning to compete with their European counterparts adds layers of historical and geopolitical significance. This chart is a testament to the evolving techniques in hydrography and the expanding interest in Mediterranean ports, which were pivotal to trade and military endeavors during the period. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a piece of maritime history, invaluable to collectors and scholars alike.

What can be seen on this map

• Coastal Towns
  • Alicant
• Fortifications
  • Castle
  • Fortresses
• Harbours
  • The Bay of Alicant
• Large Structures
  • The Mole
• Topographical Features
  • Cape Houerta
  • Rochers Bank

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the town of Alicante, with a castle on a hill overlooking the bay.
• The map shows the location of a fort and several towers along the coast.
• The map shows the depth of the water in the bay, in fathoms.
• The map shows the direction of the wind and the currents in the bay.
• The map shows the location of several sandbars and reefs in the bay.
• The map shows the location of a cape at the eastern end of the bay.
• The map shows the location of a river that flows into the bay.
• The map shows the location of several roads and paths in the area.
• The map shows the location of several churches and other religious buildings in the area.

Historical and Design Context

• Mapmaker: William Heather, a British hydrographer and publisher known for his detailed and finely engraved charts.
• Published: 1802 in London.
• Part of: Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot, the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• Orientation: Unusually oriented with northwest at the top.
• Historical Significance: Provides a detailed snapshot of the Bay of Alicant in 1802 and represents an early English contribution to Mediterranean maritime cartography.
• Design and Style: Finely engraved chart, notable for its detailed depiction of nautical and topographical features.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.