The "First Map of LONDON" by Braun and Hogenberg 1572

This superbly crafted map by Georg Braun & Frans Hogenberg was painted in 1572 during the midst of the Elizabethan Era. Widely believed to be the first true map of London this is a classic and historically significant work on many different levels. This map pre-dates the Great Fire of London (1666) in which 400 streets were consumed therefore making this an important record of how London looked before that cataclysmic event. In 1572 London was much smaller than its current incarnation yet still had around 200,000 inhabitants. The walls which surround the "Square Mile" can be viewed in their entirety bounding from the River Fleet all the way round to the Towre (Tower of London). Numerous gates in the walls are evident including Ludgate, Newgate, Cripil Gate (Cripple Gate) and Allgate (Aldgate). All life is depicted too from "entertainment" on the south bank of Beare bayting and Bowll bayting, the bustling Thames the commercial lifeblood of London, sites of executions, the notorious Bethlem Asylum, the importance of religion with over 120 churches and the extent of grandiose buildings which marked London's pre-eminence in commerce and position as the nation's capital. This is London as Shakespeare would have known it.

A classic work that creates a centrepiece for any home and would look stunning framed (frame for illustration purposes only). This print is produced on premium heavyweight 230
gsm paper and uses the finest quality inks that will not fade or smudge.

Features:

• This is a superbly detailed and colourful rendition of the geography and lives of Elizabethan Londoners
• The Tudor Coat of Arms and the London City Arms
• Wonderfully illustrated including St Paul's Cathedral, West Muster - Westminster Abbey, Lambeth Palace (Lambeth), The Tower of London and the original London Bridge
• The London Walls including eight gates
• The Thames bustling with all manner of ships
• Four costumed figures (likely merchants) in period dress