Old Malta and Gozo Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Detailed Coastlines, Soundings, Compass Rose

Introduction to the Map

"A Chart of the Islands of Malta & Goza, from the best Authorities, with Additions" stands as a remarkable historical artifact from the early 19th century, crafted by the esteemed hydrographer William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational tool but a finely detailed representation of Malta and Gozo, capturing the intricate coastline and marine depths with precision. Published in Heather's pioneering work, The New Mediterranean Pilot, this chart reflects a significant English endeavor to document the Mediterranean, a task previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. The inclusion of soundings, topographical features, and anchorages enhances its utility and historical value, making it a prized possession for collectors and historians alike.

Detailing the Geographic Features

The map's meticulous detail offers a vivid portrayal of Malta and Gozo, highlighting not only the coastal outlines but also the locations of towns, villages, and other significant landmarks. Each feature is carefully engraved, showcasing the expertise of John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns the chart. The orientation with southwest at the top, a unique characteristic for the period, and the precise scale of 1:63,360, allow for an exceptional study of the islands’ geography during a time of significant maritime importance. This chart serves as a window into the past, revealing how the islands appeared over two centuries ago.

Navigational Insights and Cartographic Elegance

Beyond its geographical accuracy, the chart is a testament to the era's navigational challenges and the solutions provided through cartography. The inclusion of soundings in fathoms is particularly valuable, offering insights into the underwater terrain that was crucial for safe navigation. The compass rose and the beautifully rendered title cartouche in the upper right corner are not only functional but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of the chart, reflecting the elegance of maritime charts of that era.

Historical and Cultural Significance

This chart is more than a navigational aid; it is a cultural artifact that captures the strategic importance of Malta and Gozo in the Mediterranean. These islands have been pivotal throughout history, from the time of the Knights Hospitaller to their roles in various naval conflicts. The chart’s detailed representation of anchorages and defensive positions provides a glimpse into the maritime defenses and the challenges faced by seafarers of the time. It stands as a document that not only guided mariners but also informed the decisions of leaders and strategists involved in the shaping of Mediterranean history.

Rarity and Collectibility

The rarity of this chart adds immensely to its allure and value. As a part of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, it represents one of the earliest English attempts to comprehensively chart the Mediterranean, a task that was fraught with challenges and competition from established European cartographers. The fact that this chart is seldom seen on the market today only enhances its desirability among collectors and historians, making it a distinguished and coveted piece in any collection of maritime or historical maps.

Notable Places on This Map

• Malta
• Gozo

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Shows the coastline of Malta and Gozo in great detail.
• Locations of towns, villages, and other features on the islands.
• Soundings in fathoms.
• Compass rose.
• Title cartouche in the upper right corner.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802.
• Part of Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, the first English collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• Finely engraved chart, signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.
• Oriented with southwest at the top.
• Provides a snapshot of the Mediterranean region in the early 19th century.
• Represents one of the earliest English attempts to chart the Mediterranean, competing with earlier French, Italian, and Spanish efforts.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps 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.