Original, first edition, 1612 copperplate map of 'The Bishoprick and Citie of Durham' by John Speed (1551 - 1629), with early hand colouring and English text verso.

From “Theatre of the British Empire” 1611–1612, the first collated edition of Speed's celebrated atlas and history of Great Britain was published, his son perhaps assisting Speed in preparing surveys of English towns. Published in London by John Sudbury & George Humble, 1610-12, first edition. See full details below.

Copperplate engraving, printed in black ink on laid paper with bunch of grapes watermark, with early watercolour hand colouring. 

In an early 20th century oak frame, both sided glazed to display the text. 

Plate 38.5cms by 50.8cms, frame 44.5cm x 56.5cm.

The map is in good original condition, a full sheet with margins - the vertical central fold as issued, some light age toning to the sheet and two small areas of abrasion along the centre fold (see photos). Frame with some slight nicks and scratches (see photos). As always, condition is already reflected in the price.

Comes with our Certificate of Authenticity - guaranteed authentic and original.

Delivered ready to hang.

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John Speed (1551 or 1552 – 28 July 1629)

English cartographer, chronologist and historian.

John Speed was the son of a citizen and Merchant Taylor in London, he rose from his family occupation to accept the task of drawing together and revising the histories, topographies and maps of the Kingdoms of Great Britain as an exposition of the union of their monarchies in the person of King James I and VI. He accomplished this with remarkable success, with the support and assistance of the leading antiquarian scholars of his generation. He drew upon and improved the shire maps of Christopher Saxton, John Norden and others, being the first to incorporate the hundred-boundaries into them, and he was the surveyor and originator of many of the town or city plans inset within them. His work helped to define early modern concepts of British national identity. His Biblical genealogies were also formally associated with the first edition of the King James Bible. He is among the most famous of English mapmakers.

“Theatre of the British Empire” 1611–1612, the first collated edition of Speed's celebrated atlas and history of Great Britain was published, his son perhaps assisting Speed in preparing surveys of English towns. At the same time, with royal consent, his Sacred Genealogies became incorporated into the first editions of the King James Bible.

The Bishoprick and Citie of Durham

Published in London by John Sudbury & George Humble, 1610-12, first edition

A first edition John Speed map of County Durham. This is considered one of the most accomplished maps in the 'Theatre', noted for its clarity and features like the royal coat-of-arms, the superb compass rose, and the depiction and description of the Battle of Neville's Cross in AD 1346, between the Scots and the English.

The west of the county is filled with ancient forests, deer parks and scattered farmstead and hamlets. The division of the county between upland and lowland is apparent. The city of Durham sits majestically in the centre right of the county.

Speed lovingly provided an excellent city plan showing the city perched high above the bend and loop of the river Wear. The magnificent Cathedral and Castle are seen together with the surrounding countryside. A ship and sea monsters are found in the North Sea.

An added feature is that regular atlas copies have English text printed on the reverse, giving a charming description of life in the early seventeenth century of the region. The overall effect produced very decorative, attractive and informative maps.