John Speed: Hantshire described and devided
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Cartographer:
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John Speed
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Title:
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Hantshire described and devided
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Date:
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1611
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Published:
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London
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Width:
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20 inches / 51 cm
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Height:
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15 inches / 39 cm
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Map ref:
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HANTS627
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Description:
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Splendid county map of Hampshire with an inset town plan of Winchester. From the first edition of John Speed's "The Theatre of Great Britaine", the first complete atlas of English counties. The map is decorated by a large royal coat of arms belonging to King James I, the sovereign at the time of publication. The arms of local nobles are also displayed along the sides of the map.
Just below the map of Winchester there is a fascinating illustration and text panel describing the 12th-century civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, two of Britain's lesser-known rulers. The vignette shows Matilda escaping from Stephen's army by hiding in a coffin and pretending to be dead. The ploy worked and Matilda escaped to safety. Matilda ultimately recognized Stephen's right to rule, but only after her son, Henry II, was named heir to the throne. This period is known as "the Anarchy" and is regarded as one of the lowest points in Britain's governing history.
English text on verso (image available upon request). Strong impression. [HANTS627] |