A single sheet road map, printed on both sides. On one side, there is a map of the road from Canterbury to Dover, and Langdon (Essex) to Tilbury and Gravesend. On the other side, there is a map of the roads from Chelmsford to Maldon, Raleigh and Billericay in Essex. The roads are displayed in strip form.
The sheet is taken from Emanuel Bowen's "Britannia Depicta, or Ogilby Improved." John Ogilby had published the first road atlas of England and Wales in 1675. Emanuel Bowen 'improved it', publishing his updated maps in a smaller, more convenient form.
The result is a delightful picture of early 18th century England, the maps filled not only with road details, but also historical annotations, coats-of-arms, etc. Because the sheet is taken from an atlas, the information on each sheet is not necessarily consecutive. So here we have maps of Essex and Kent..
The road details include those things that might be spotted from a coach: one can imagine passengers looking out for everything from hills to rivers, and windmills to castles and the fort at Tilbury.
First issued in 1720, there were many editions published until c.1764. I don't know from which edition this map comes, but it is certainly a genuine antique 18th century example, with attractive handcolouring.
I am selling more of these Bowen road maps on ebay. Please see my other items.
Size: the mount measures approx. 25cms x 17.5cms.
Condition: Sheet browned with age. Please study my photographs.
Postage: £3.00 within the UK. £9.00 to Europe, £12.00 to USA etc.
I have other antique maps, books, prints etc. in my ebay shop - please see my other items.