Old Port of Crose, France Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Fort Cros, Prior's Well, Wreck

Introduction to the Chart Immerse yourself in maritime history with the exquisitely detailed 1802 nautical chart, "The Port of Crose," crafted by the renowned British hydrographer William Heather. Known for his meticulous surveys under the auspices of the British Admiralty, Heather's work primarily focused on vital maritime routes in the Mediterranean and Red Seas. This chart not only serves as a navigational tool but also as a historical snapshot of the Port-Crose during the early 19th century, capturing the strategic intricacies of this secluded harbor located on a picturesque island off the French Riviera.

Navigational Details and Map Features "The Port of Crose" is a testament to the era's navigational challenges and Heather's cartographic precision. Employing the Mercator projection, known for its ability to preserve angle fidelity, the chart is an indispensable tool for historical navigation studies. It meticulously details the coastline, depth soundings, and maritime hazards, including the notorious shipwreck site marked as 'Wreck' on the chart. Notable landmarks such as Fort Cros, Prior's Well, and the ominously named Mud area are distinctly marked, providing a comprehensive view of the port's defensive and resource structures.

Historical and Geographical Context The island of Port-Crose, initially known as Messea by the ancient Greeks, harbors a rich tapestry of history, once serving as a refuge for pirates and now standing as a French national park. This chart not only guides through the physical geography but also through the temporal shifts of the area. The inclusion of various points like Prior's Point, South Point, and Little Port offers a glimpse into the daily life and strategic importance of this maritime locale in the early 1800s.

Cartographic Style and Utility Heather's style, characterized by detailed coastal outlines and depth soundings, reflects the practical requirements of sailors and the artistic norms of early 19th-century cartography. The chart is a quintessential example of a working nautical map, intended for use by seafarers navigating the treacherous yet mesmerizing waters of the Mediterranean. The precision in depicting various navigational points ensures its value not just as a navigational aid but also as a tool for historical research.

Rarity and Collectible Value As a piece from Heather's "New Mediterranean Pilot," this chart of "The Port of Crose" holds significant rarity and desirability among collectors and historians. Its scarcity on the market amplifies its value, making it a prized possession for anyone interested in maritime history, cartography, or the enchanting tales of the Mediterranean's past. This chart is not merely a map, but a portal to the adventurous and tumultuous history of the Port-Crose and its surrounding waters.

This chart, with its rich historical context and detailed cartographic features, offers an unparalleled glimpse into the past, making it a must-have for enthusiasts and scholars alike. Whether displayed as a piece of art or used as a reference for historical research, "The Port of Crose" remains a testament to the skill and dedication of William Heather and the enduring legacy of maritime exploration.

Notable Places on This Map

• The Port of Crose
• Prior's Well
• Prior's Point
• Fort Point
• Little Port
• Fort Cros
• Tower
• Mud
• Wreck
• South Point
• One Furlong
• Mag
• True
• Var 19.36. West

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Shows the coastline of the Port of Crose, as well as the surrounding area.
• Location of the town of Crose, as well as other nearby towns and villages.
• Location of Fort Cros.
• Location of Prior's Well.
• Location of South Grand Prise.
• Location of Little Port.
• Location of the Mud.
• Location of the Wreck.

Historical and Design Context

• Created by William Heather in 1802, a British hydrographer known for his surveys of the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
• Utilizes the Mercator projection, ideal for navigation due to its conformal nature, preserving angles and shapes.
• Provides a historical snapshot of the Port-Crose and the surrounding area during the early 19th century.
• Valuable for studying the historical changes and maritime importance of the area over 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.