Cartographer:
HARRIS, John
Title:
A MAP of the BEACONS in KENT as they were appointed by SR WILLIAM BROOKE LD. COBHAM. Ld. Chamberlain to QUEEN ELIZABETH Ld Lieut.t of KENT. and A Prospect of the Church called the Reculvers in Kent.
Stock Code:
7254
Method:
Copper engraving
Colouring:
Later colour
Atlas:
Dr Harris’ History of Kent
Size: (W x H):
27cm x 34cm
10½ inches x 13½ inches
Date:
c1720
Price:
£120
A delightful map showing the beacons of Kent, above which there is a view of a church called the ‘Reculvers in Kent’. Shield with dedication to Mr Richard Mount, ‘Citizen and Stationer of London Native of Kent’. Before accurate maps were available, people used to navigate by prominent landmarks such as hills, standing stones and later Church towers and spires. Hills were used for a vast communications network of fire beacons. This map was based on that by William Lambarde published in 1596 in his "Perambulation of Kent", called “A Carde, of the Beacons, in Kent”. Lambarde’s map was much criticised at the time for giving away state secrets.
Good condition, some very slight browning at centrefold.