BRITANNIA prout divisa fuit temporibus ANGLO-SAXONUM praefertim durante illorum HEPTARCHIA.

Spectacular map showing the Saxon Kingdoms of Britain. The map is based upon Blaeu's map of 1645, but can be readily distinguished from Blaeu's map by the addition of 3 compass roses, rhumb lines and sailing ships. The two sets of vignettes on either side of the map were first incorporated by Speed in his Heptarchy map of 1611 and show historical scenes in Saxon history between 456 and 662 A.D. The vignettes have been completely redone by a Dutch engraver and are in the grand style of contemporary Dutch paintings. Dutch text on the verso. A nice example of one of the most decorative maps of Britain ever published.

Fine condition. Mounted size: 74 x 65cm