Introducing the "Pictorial Map of Devonshire," a captivating creation by the renowned cartographer Ernest Clegg, M.B.F., published in 1947. This exquisite map, part of the Countryman County Maps of Britain series, is a celebration of Devonshire's rich heritage and its significant role during World War II. Designed with intricate detail and artistic flair, the map features colorful vignettes of historical places, making it not only a geographical guide but also a visual journey through time.
Ernest Clegg's masterful craftsmanship is evident in every aspect of this map. Known for his detailed and artistic cartographic works, Clegg's dedication to capturing the essence of British heritage shines through. The map is adorned with city coats of arms, decorative elements, and annotations that highlight the natural attributes and historical sites of Devonshire. Each illustration and note is meticulously crafted, reflecting Clegg's passion for history and cartography.
The map offers a comprehensive view of Devonshire, showcasing its cities, towns, and points of interest with remarkable precision. From the bustling city of Plymouth to the historic town of Exeter, every settlement is marked with care. The map also highlights significant landmarks such as the Exeter Cathedral, the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, and the coastal defenses that played a crucial role during WWII. The inclusion of these historical sites provides a deeper understanding of Devonshire's past and its contributions to the war effort.
Natural beauty is another prominent theme in this map. The lush landscapes of Dartmoor and Exmoor National Parks are depicted with great detail, emphasizing the region's diverse topography. Rivers, mountains, and coastal areas are intricately illustrated, offering a glimpse into the natural wonders of Devonshire. The map also notes the agricultural richness of the region, highlighting British farms and their contributions to the local economy.
The historical significance of this map extends beyond its geographical features. Created just after the conclusion of WWII, it serves as a tribute to the allied activities and bases in Devon. Annotations about the U.S. and allied forces, including the U.S. 29th, 4th, 1st Infantry Divisions, and the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions, underscore Devonshire's strategic importance during the war. This map is not just a navigational tool but a historical document that commemorates the bravery and resilience of those who served.
Cities and towns on this map
- Plymouth
- Exeter
- Torquay
- Paignton
- Barnstaple
- Tiverton
- Newton Abbot
- Bideford
- Teignmouth
- Exmouth
- Brixham
- Honiton
- Okehampton
- Tavistock
- Seaton
- Sidmouth
- Ilfracombe
- Crediton
- Dartmouth
- Kingsbridge
- Axminster
- Totnes
- Ivybridge
- Lynton
- Lynmouth
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Exeter Cathedral (illustrated vignette)
- Dartmoor National Park
- Exmoor National Park
- Royal Naval College at Dartmouth
- RAF Harrowbeer (WWII airfield)
- U.S. Army bases (marked with symbols)
- Women's Institute in Devon (noted for its war effort support)
- British farms and agricultural products (noted on the map)
- Coastal defenses and fortifications
- Historical notes on Sir Francis Drake
- Historical notes on Sir Walter Raleigh
- Historical notes on the Spanish Armada
- Historical notes on the Battle of Britain
- Historical notes on the Normandy Invasion
- Historical notes on the U.S. 29th Infantry Division
- Historical notes on the U.S. 4th Infantry Division
- Historical notes on the U.S. 1st Infantry Division
- Historical notes on the U.S. 82nd Airborne Division
- Historical notes on the U.S. 101st Airborne Division
- Vignettes of Devonshire's natural landscapes
Historical and design context
- The map includes colorful vignettes of historical places.
- Created just after the conclusion of WWII, it celebrates the natural attributes and historical sites of Devonshire.
- Contains historical notes about WWII and U.S. and allied activities and bases in Devon.
- Shows cities, points of interest, and city coats of arms in very high detail.
- Dedicated by kind permission to Sir R. George Stapleton, C.B.E., F.R.S.
- Part of a series of county maps designed by Ernest Clegg, published in 1947 as the Countryman County Maps of Britain series.
- The map is thematic and pictorial, with detailed illustrations and decorative elements.
- It includes coats of arms, vignettes of historical places, and detailed annotations.
- The map was created in the aftermath of WWII, reflecting on the historical and military significance of Devonshire during the war.
- It serves as a celebration of Devonshire's heritage and its role in the war effort.
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.