CAMBRIDGESHIRE Map Speed 1611 Cambridge Peterborough Ely Huntingdon

This classic piece was produced by John Speed the best known mapmaker of the Stuart period. It is a wonderful example of a decorative county map that was produced over 400 years since. This is an antique reproduction of the original hand coloured map and therefore each original map is in itself unique.

The Cambridgeshire map was one of Speed's most elaborate works and consequently it was one of the longest to produce. It features 15 separate coats of arms for the various colleges that made up the University of Cambridge. It also depicts four characters each dressed in academic robes and one utilizing a pair of measuring dividers. The attention to detail is quite something to behold. Obviously the county town and University town of Cambridge features prominently throughout the work.

Of Cambridgeshire itself a quick glance tells us that it is split into two distinct areas - the Isle of Ely with its surrounding fens in the north and the rest of the county a chalky hinterland divided by the River Cam in the south. The latter area is more populous, with extensive woodland, meadows and arable land.

This full colour antique reproduction would look stunning when mounted and would form a striking centrepiece to any room.

This would make a wonderful gift for someone from Cambridge, who went to Cambridge university, or who has Cambridgeshire in their heart.

Features:
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• This stunning piece incorporates 15 coats of arms of the various colleges of the University of Cambridge including Queens, Corpus Christi, Jesus and Kings along with the year of their foundation
• An artistically detailed drawn map of 17th century Cambridgeshire including rivers, wooded areas, place names and hill ranges
• Four academics illustrated in masters robes
• An inset map of Cambridge featuring a 28 piece index of places of interest
• A superb crest of Dieu and Mon Droit - God and My Right, the motto of the British monarchy
• All offset with a lovely decorative border