1611 Speed – Map

The maps that Speed created in the 17th century are so highly sought after that when they are put up for auction, buyers are willing to pay tens of thousands of pounds for each one. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight map is an excerpt from John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine” and was first published in 1611/12.

Historian  John Speed  ( 1552 – 1629 )

Before receiving a subsidy from Sir Fulke Greville that allowed him to devote his time to research and writing “Historie of Great Britaine” in 1611, John Speed worked as a tailor for the first half of his life. Queen Elizabeth I’s Royal Patronage and the use of Custom House as Speed’s headquarters were also helpful. Speed was a dedicated cartographer who frequently revised and released revised editions of maps of local neighbourhoods. In addition, his 1610/11 work “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine” was considered the best at the time due to its detailed county-by-county charts.

Originally printed around 1611–12 A section of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine” featuring Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Speed
• https://www.oldhampshiremapped.org.uk/hantscat/html/coldatef.htm

• Source:  Cambridge University Library classmark: Atlas 2.61.1