A New and Exact Plan of the Cities of London, Westminster & the Borough of Southwark

Large and spectacular early 18th century map based on the seminal map by Philip Lea and Robert Morden published c.1700.

The geographical base for this large, spectacular map was first issued c.1700 by Philip Lea and Robert Morden. Circa 1725, the Dutch publishers Johannes Covens and Pieter Mortier re-issued the former map but added the planned western developments of today’s West End around Leicester Square, Mayfair and north of Oxford Street, around Cavendish Square. In the east, further developments were planned around Shoreditch and Hoxton.

The first edition of Joseph Smith’s map was issued in 1724 and it shows the same information although it is more focused, particularly on the north and south. The basic layout, the map with a series of informative panels below, is the same. It is also on two sheets joined. The panels show the fares expected by both coach and “watermen” or bargemen taking passengers through the city and across the Thames. There is also a brief description of London and a table of locations corresponding to a grid.

Smith’s map was issued in three editions, the first in 1724, another in 1725 and a last edition substantially later but undated. As such, it is difficult to ascertain if Smith’s map pre-dated the Covens and Mortier or vice versa. The example offered for sale here is the 1725 edition.

Coloured. [Howgego 71 State 2] [BC]