Old Bay of Tangier, Morocco Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Portuguese & English Forts, Battle Site
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Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.The Collector’s Offer
Choose two eligible works and receive 20% off both. Choose three and the lowest-priced one is complimentary, a maximum saving of 33%.
Mix and match eligible standard maps and fine-art prints. No code is required; the offer is applied automatically at checkout.
Standard made-to-order configurations are included. Bespoke sizes, personalised designs and commissioned work are excluded.
Need delivery to different addresses? Contact us before ordering.
Restored in London • Made in the USA
Restored from the original 1802 map and printed to museum-grade archival standards. Read the story behind this map
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The Bay of Tangier: A Rare Cartographic Masterpiece The Bay of Tangier map, engraved in 1802 by the esteemed London publisher William...
Continue readingThe Bay of Tangier: A Rare Cartographic Masterpiece
The Bay of Tangier map, engraved in 1802 by the esteemed London publisher William Heather, represents a significant piece in the history of cartography. This rare chart, part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marks a pivotal English endeavor to document the Mediterranean's ports—a venture previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The map, with its meticulous engravings signed by John Stephenson, stands out for its precision and artistic quality, contrasting sharply with the more rudimentary charts produced by Heather's continental contemporaries. Oriented with south at the top, it provides a unique perspective of Tangier, Morocco, highlighting its strategic maritime importance through detailed soundings, topographical features, and anchorages.
Navigational and Topographical Details
This finely crafted chart offers more than just a geographical representation; it serves as a vital navigational tool with its detailed soundings and anchorages clearly marked. The inclusion of these elements not only guided mariners safely into the bay but also reflected the evolving needs of naval and merchant shipping during the early 19th century. The map meticulously documents various landmarks of Tangier, from the bustling port and the historic Mole Head to the strategic Turkish Anchorage and the surrounding hills, providing a comprehensive view of the area's maritime landscape.
Historical and Military Significance
Beyond its navigational utility, the map is a treasure trove of historical insights, particularly into Tangier's rich military heritage. It details the locations of multiple forts built by different colonial powers through the centuries, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and American forts. Each fort's placement underscores the bay's geopolitical significance and the tumultuous history of control over this strategic North African port. The map also marks the site of the Battle of Tangier (1471), adding a layer of historical depth to its already rich cartographic narrative.
Artistic and Aesthetic Appeal
The artistic merit of "The Bay of Tangier" chart is undeniable. Each line and lettering is finely engraved, reflecting the high standards of London's engraving work at the time, spearheaded by talents like John Stephenson. The map's aesthetic, with its detailed coastal lines and textured representation of the hilly terrains, not only serves a practical purpose but also makes it a visually appealing artifact. This chart is not merely a tool for navigation but a work of art, suitable for both study and display in any collection of fine maps.
Rarity and Collector's Value
Given its scarcity and the craftsmanship it exhibits, "The Bay of Tangier" is a prized possession for collectors and historians alike. As one of the rare charts from Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," it holds significant value not only for its artistic and historical qualities but also as a specimen of early 19th-century English cartographic ambition. The map's rarity is enhanced by its condition and the fact that such charts seldom appear on the market, making it an exceptional find for enthusiasts of rare maps and maritime history.
What can be seen on this map
- The Bay of Tangier
- Old Tangier
- C. Malabat
- Muscle Bank
- C. Tangier
- Tingier
- Mole
- Port
- Mole Head
- Clear Ground
- Turkish Anchorage
- Rock
- Fout Ground
- Rocks
- Zandvine
- Chosan
- White Hills
- Watch Tower
- South Ft
- Atas Tomb
- River
- Sand
Notable Features & Landmarks
- The city of Tangier, located on the western side of the bay
- The old city of Tangier, located on the eastern side of the bay
- The location of the Battle of Tangier, which took place in 1471
- Portuguese Fort, built in the 15th century
- English Fort, built in the 17th century
- Spanish Fort, built in the 18th century
- French Fort, built in the 19th century
- American Fort, built in the 20th century
- Italian Fort, built in the 21st century
Historical and design context
- Rare antique engraved chart of Tangier, Morocco, published by William Heather in London
- Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean
- Notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
- Oriented with south at the top
- Includes soundings, some topographical features, and anchorages
- Reflects the high standards of London's engraving work at the time
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
The Bay of Tangier: A Rare Cartographic Masterpiece
The Bay of Tangier map, engraved in 1802 by the esteemed London publisher William Heather, represents a significant piece in the history of cartography. This rare chart, part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," marks a pivotal English endeavor to document the Mediterranean's ports—a venture previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The map, with its meticulous engravings signed by John Stephenson, stands out for its precision and artistic quality, contrasting sharply with the more rudimentary charts produced by Heather's continental contemporaries. Oriented with south at the top, it provides a unique perspective of Tangier, Morocco, highlighting its strategic maritime importance through detailed soundings, topographical features, and anchorages.
Navigational and Topographical Details
This finely crafted chart offers more than just a geographical representation; it serves as a vital navigational tool with its detailed soundings and anchorages clearly marked. The inclusion of these elements not only guided mariners safely into the bay but also reflected the evolving needs of naval and merchant shipping during the early 19th century. The map meticulously documents various landmarks of Tangier, from the bustling port and the historic Mole Head to the strategic Turkish Anchorage and the surrounding hills, providing a comprehensive view of the area's maritime landscape.
Historical and Military Significance
Beyond its navigational utility, the map is a treasure trove of historical insights, particularly into Tangier's rich military heritage. It details the locations of multiple forts built by different colonial powers through the centuries, including Portuguese, English, Spanish, French, and American forts. Each fort's placement underscores the bay's geopolitical significance and the tumultuous history of control over this strategic North African port. The map also marks the site of the Battle of Tangier (1471), adding a layer of historical depth to its already rich cartographic narrative.
Artistic and Aesthetic Appeal
The artistic merit of "The Bay of Tangier" chart is undeniable. Each line and lettering is finely engraved, reflecting the high standards of London's engraving work at the time, spearheaded by talents like John Stephenson. The map's aesthetic, with its detailed coastal lines and textured representation of the hilly terrains, not only serves a practical purpose but also makes it a visually appealing artifact. This chart is not merely a tool for navigation but a work of art, suitable for both study and display in any collection of fine maps.
Rarity and Collector's Value
Given its scarcity and the craftsmanship it exhibits, "The Bay of Tangier" is a prized possession for collectors and historians alike. As one of the rare charts from Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," it holds significant value not only for its artistic and historical qualities but also as a specimen of early 19th-century English cartographic ambition. The map's rarity is enhanced by its condition and the fact that such charts seldom appear on the market, making it an exceptional find for enthusiasts of rare maps and maritime history.
What can be seen on this map
- The Bay of Tangier
- Old Tangier
- C. Malabat
- Muscle Bank
- C. Tangier
- Tingier
- Mole
- Port
- Mole Head
- Clear Ground
- Turkish Anchorage
- Rock
- Fout Ground
- Rocks
- Zandvine
- Chosan
- White Hills
- Watch Tower
- South Ft
- Atas Tomb
- River
- Sand
Notable Features & Landmarks
- The city of Tangier, located on the western side of the bay
- The old city of Tangier, located on the eastern side of the bay
- The location of the Battle of Tangier, which took place in 1471
- Portuguese Fort, built in the 15th century
- English Fort, built in the 17th century
- Spanish Fort, built in the 18th century
- French Fort, built in the 19th century
- American Fort, built in the 20th century
- Italian Fort, built in the 21st century
Historical and design context
- Rare antique engraved chart of Tangier, Morocco, published by William Heather in London
- Part of Heather's "The New Mediterranean Pilot," the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean
- Notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson
- Oriented with south at the top
- Includes soundings, some topographical features, and anchorages
- Reflects the high standards of London's engraving work at the time
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.
This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.
For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.
Many of our maps and art prints are chosen as thoughtful gifts for homes, offices, studies and meaningful places.
Choose a framed option for the easiest ready-to-hang gift, or choose an unframed print if the recipient may prefer to select their own frame.
We make orders locally in 23 countries around the world, so gifts can often be produced close to the recipient. This helps them arrive faster, travel more safely, and avoid customs or import duty surprises.
- We can deliver directly to the recipient
- Framed pieces arrive ready to hang
- Unframed prints are carefully packed in a strong protective tube
- Almost every order is made locally, for faster, safer gifting
- 90-day returns give the recipient time to decide
If you are not sure what to choose, please contact us. We can help you pick the right map, size, finish or delivery option.
Most orders are made locally and delivered in around 2–3 working days, depending on the product, size and destination.
We print and frame maps and artwork in 23 countries around the world, so your order is usually made close to you or your recipient. That means faster delivery, less time in transit, and no customs or import duty surprises.
Personalised and customised pieces usually take an extra 1–2 working days, because we prepare your design and send it to you for approval before printing.
Very large framed orders can take a little longer, as they need extra care in production and delivery.
Every order is carefully packaged: unframed prints are sent in a strong protective tube, while framed pieces are securely packed with protective materials around the frame.
If you need your order by a particular date, please contact us before ordering. We’ll check the best production route and delivery option for your location.
Express delivery is available at checkout for most countries. Next-day delivery is available in the UK, US, Singapore and the UAE.
Your order is covered by our 90-day returns policy and 10-year guarantee.
Our standard frame is a gallery-style black ash hardwood frame, with a simple, modern look. It is approximately 20mm (0.8in) wide. You can also view some lovely customer photos of framed maps and art.
We use super-clear acrylic glazing, also known as Perspex or Acrylite, instead of traditional glass. It is lighter, safer, and has lower reflectivity, giving the artwork a clearer, cleaner appearance.
Six standard frame colours are available at no extra cost: black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white, and antique gold. Custom framing and mounting/matting is also available for customers looking for something more specific.
Most maps, art prints, and illustrations are also available as a framed canvas. We use matte cotton canvas, stretch it over a sustainably sourced wooden box frame, and then float the piece within a wooden outer frame. The finished result is beautifully presented, with no glazing between you and the artwork.
All frames are supplied ready to hang, with either string or brackets fitted to the back. Very large frames will include heavy-duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.
We can also supply old maps and artwork on canvas, foam board, cotton rag, and other materials.
If you would prefer to frame your map or artwork yourself, please read our size guide before ordering.
Every Unique Maps piece begins with an authentic cartographic source or an original design from our London studio.
For our historic maps, we source rare originals from libraries, archives, auction houses and private collections around the world. We carefully restore each map for print—repairing age-related damage, balancing colour and improving clarity while preserving its original detail, texture and character.
Once restored, the map is prepared for your chosen size and finish. Your piece is then printed and, where selected, framed close to its delivery destination.
Our map prints use acid-free 200gsm archival matte paper and fade-resistant pigment inks, creating a rich, non-glossy finish designed to last. Framed maps use crystal-clear optical acrylic and arrive ready to hang.
Canvas, cotton-rag and other specialist presentations are also available. Learn more about our materials and finishes.
Personalising your map
You can add a short title or dedication, mark one meaningful place, or request one considered visual detail. For personalised designs, we send a proof before printing and you can request changes before approval.
For more complex bespoke commissions, contact our design team.
Original or Aged
Choose Original for true-to-source colour, or Aged for a warmer, richer antique character created with our specialist ageing process. See examples of our Aged maps.
If you are not happy with your order for any reason, contact me and I'll get it fixed ASAP, free of charge. Please see my returns and refund policy for more information.
I am very confident you will like your restored map or art print. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and art prints and have over 5,000 real 5-star reviews. My work has been featured in interior design magazines, on the BBC, and on the walls of dozens of 5-star hotels.
I use a unique process to restore maps and artwork that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps and illustrations can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore them. As a result, I guarantee my maps and art prints are a cut above the rest. I stand by my products and will always make sure you're 100% happy with what you receive.
Almost all of my maps and art prints look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.
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