HARDBACK MAPS are identical visually to a regular paper or photographic image, but enhanced with an extra-rigid backing meant to provide stability and protection. In short, the image is mounted onto a substance for ultimate protection against warping and damaged corners.

CORK HARBOUR 1800/1802

This map illustrates the defensive arrangements to the approaches to Cork Harbor immediately after the French-supported United Irishmen rebel-lion of 1798. The plan, described as an "Actual Survey of Cork Harbour," is drawn to a scale of about 560 yards to one inch and shows the overall relationship between the defenses and the approaches to the harbor in 1800. The narrowest point of the strait leading into the harbor are defended by Carlisle Fort on the east and Camden Fort to the west — the actual map is aligned with north on the left as indicated by the compass bearing — while the battery on Spike Island to the north forms an additional line of defense for the harbor. The second map, showing Carlisle Fort, was drawn to a scale of 300 feet to one inch and was completed in 1802. Note the references to the former defenses and the location of the lower battery of 20 pounders. Finally, the third map shows Westmorland Fort on Spike Island in 1802 with reference to the proposed construction of a new casemented defensive structure