This spectacular folding map of England and Wales is both rare and beautiful. Geographically it is sourced from the Ordnance Survey and it was engraved by Josiah Neele. We have been able to trace editions from c.1830 to c.1840 with the dedication changing from the King (William IV) to the Queen (Victoria).



There is a large vignette of Windsor Castle on the upper right but it is the illustrated borders which set this map apart from other large scale folding maps of England and Wales. Each corner bears the image of a famous Cathedral: Canterbury, York, Westminster Abbey and St. Pauls; between each of the corners is a series of portraits of historical figures . Each border is themed with the upper border containing portraits of great generals including Lord Wellington, John Churchill, the Duke of Marlborough, the Marquess of Cornwallis and Sir Thomas Picton. The lower border bears portraits of great admirals and seamen including Horatio Nelson, Cuthbert Collingwood and Sir Walter Raleigh. The left border illustrates men of affairs and politicians such as Lord Canning, Lord Grey, Charles Fox and William Pitt. The right border bears great writers and scientists such as Sir Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, John Milton and Lord Byron.

A large imposing piece, this map is as much an artistic statement as a cartographic record. Original hand colour. SL [GB1987]