John Speed
40 x 52 cm
Geographically, the region is dominated by the Fens, a type of wetlands or swamp which also explains the very small population of the county. The Northern region shows a large region of Fenlands as well as Whittlesey Mere, the largest body of open water in the county, with multiple drainage channels leading to it.
The upper corners show plans of Huntingdon as well as Ely. A panel in the shape of a book under the plan of Ely explains that although Ely is actually in Cambridgeshire, it was so important, especially in view of its magnificent Minster, or Cathedral, that it deserved a place in the atlas. The opposite side panel shows a series of armorial coats of arms with another text panel in the shape of a book explaining the history of the Earldom of Huntingdonshire which was first created by William the Conqueror as a reward for Waltheof, the husband of his niece.
English text on verso. Image available on request. Coloured.
[HUNTS231]