On offer: an original (i.e. not a later reproduction) antique print "Berry-Pomery Castle.", Devon. Offered with the original sheet of text describing the view.
DATE PRINTED: 1804, from a plate first published in 1764.
SIZE: The printed area including titles is approximately 11.5 x 11 cm, 4.25 x 4.25 inches plus margins with a blank back (small).
ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: Engraved by J. Ryland from an original study by Benjamin Ralph (active 1763-1770). John Ryland was an engraver, printer and printseller, based at St. Martin Ludgate 1776 and later the Old Bailey. He clearly had some challenges as he was declared bankrupt in August 1776 and again on 6 Dec. 1788. For this 1804 re-issue, the border was re-worked and the original attributions removed. The new engraver (more accurately re-engraver) was added as Robert Metcalf (active 1788-1806).
PROVENANCE: This view was first published in 1764 by R & J Dodsley for, “England Illustrated or, a Compendium of the Natural History, Geography, Topography, and Antiquities Ecclesiastical and Civil, of England and Wales: with maps of the several counties, and engravings of many remains of antiquity, remarkable buildings, and principal towns.” The plates were re-issued in 1804 under the title, “England Delineated.” with the artist and engravers name removed. On offer is an example from the 1804 publication.
TYPE: Antique copper plate engraving printed on paper.
VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is blank.
CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not significant unless otherwise stated. I offer a no questions asked return policy.
AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic antique print, published at the date stated above. I do not offer reproductions. It is not a modern copy. The term 'original' when applied to a print means that it was printed at the first or original date of publication; it does not imply that the item is unique.
RETURNS POLICY: I offer a no questions returns policy. All I ask is that you pay return shipping and mail back to me in original condition.
POSTAGE / SHIPPING COSTS: I only charge postage for the first print ordered. There is no additional postage charge if you order more than one print.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Berry Pomeroy Castle is a Tudor mansion within the walls of an earlier castle near the village of Berry Pomeroy, in South Devon, England. It was built in the late 15th century by the Pomeroy family which had held the land since the 11th century. By 1547 the family was in financial difficulties and sold the lands to Edward Seymour, 1st Duke of Somerset. Apart from a short period of forfeit to the Crown after Edward's execution, the castle has remained in the Seymour family ever since, although it was abandoned in the late 17th century when the fourth baronet moved to Wiltshire. After lying in ruins for a hundred years, in the 19th century the castle became celebrated as an example of the "picturesque", and it became a popular tourist attraction, a status which it retains today—aided by its reputation of being haunted. Between 1980 and 1996 the castle was subjected to extensive archaeological excavations that clarified much of its history and overturned previously held beliefs regarding its age and cause of destruction.
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