The second plate (no.99) of two from the uncommon French edition of Kitchin’s Post-Chaise Companion of 1767 – itself based on An Actual Survey of all the Principal Roads by John Senex 1719 – which was, in its turn, copied from John Ogilby’s Britannia of 1675.

Britannia Depicta was one of a number of reduced versions of Ogilby’s monumental survey of the roads of England and Wales, first published in 1675, issued in the early eighteeth century. It was the only one however, to include county maps as well as road maps and proved extremely popular. Particularly finely coloured.

At some point in the past the map has been carefully laid on card ; there is some light marginal discolouration in places and some tears to the edges.

The first in a series of road maps issued intermittently between 1765 and at least 1775 some of which are credited to the engraver Thomas Bowen. Chester is given as 182 miles from London implying a scale of roughly three miles to the inch. Showing windmills, paper mills, water mills, gibbets, brine pits as well as distances, gentleman’s houses and halls.

A very good example, free of the heavy offsetting so often found with this map. Opened in 1771, although not completed until 1777 with the construction of the Harecastle Tunnel, the Trent and Mersey Canal was engineered by James Brindley, part of his ambitious plan to connect the four major rivers of central England.

A good example, with only the slightest pale offsetting so often found with this map. Surveyed in 1769 by James Brindley.

The Erewash Canal – surveyed in 1776 by J.Smith. A good example, with only the lightest offsetting so often found with this map.

Although published in Europe,Britannia Magna was the first book of plans of British towns and cities. This ‘bird’s eye’ plan of Chester is based on that of John Speed, first published in 1611 as an inset to his map of Cheshire.

Commonly known as a ‘bird’s eye view’. Slight loss of impression to lower left title.

A detailed, carefully engraved map showing turnpike gates, turnpike roads, mail coach roads, Roman roads, encampments and ‘ places where Roman coins have been found ‘ and other features. In fine original condition.

A clearly engraved, attractively coloured map showing ‘ every parish and place containing upwards of 40 houses ‘ as well as numbers of inhabitants, houses and acreages. Although this map is from the 1813 edition it retains the the imprint of R.Philips, Bridge Street, Blackfriars and the original date of publication of 1808; it is, however, a most unusual example in that, contrary to most sources, the engraver’s name has been removed.

Original wash colour indicates an early pre-atlas example first published in monthly instalments between 1830 and 1836. A rare survivor in fine condition.

Poly-Olbion was a book of “song poems” by the poet Michael Drayton celebrating the countryside, illustrated with vibrant, allegorical maps based on river systems. They show nymphs, shepherds, peasants and some topographical detail such as hills, forests and larger towns.

A strong and finely detailed impression of a miniature prospect of Chester. A combination the allegorical imagery and the verse appears to suggest the city’s character.

Charming miniature map of the counties of Cheshire and Lancashire. Uncommon. Wash line mounted ready for framing.

A strong, uncoloured impression, as issued, of plate no. 90 from Ogilby’s monumental survey of the roads of England and Wales. Covering about 7500 miles and undertaken in his late sixties, it marked the culmination of an extraordinary life encompassing the careers of dancing master, theatre impresario, translator, poet, bookseller, surveyor, cartographer and publisher. Taken at a consistent scale of 1 inch to the mile it revealed the detailed skeleton of the country previously only hinted at : hedges, walls, bridges, hills, streams, fields, houses – even gallows. Britannia was commercially successful and as a result, heavily plagiarised; but gave Ogilby, who died in 1676, the lasting recognition that his efforts deserved.

Derived from the map of Cheshire by John Speed first issued in 1611 with the addition of roads loosely based on Ogilby’s survey of 1675. Clean split to centre fold in top margin not affecting map.

Somewhat loosely engraved but not without charm; a strong impression of a good, attractively coloured example. Extended side margins to facilitate framing.