Rare Old Map of Great Britain and Ireland by Speed, 1676: London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Orkneys, Sea Monsters

The map titled "The Kingdom of Great Britaine and Ireland" is a captivating masterpiece by the esteemed cartographer John Speed, crafted in 1676. This map offers a detailed glimpse into the political and physical geography of the British Isles during the late 17th century. Speed's work is renowned for its precision and artistic flair, capturing the essence of England, Scotland, Ireland, and their adjacent isles. The map is adorned with intricate engravings and decorative elements, showcasing the rich history and cultural significance of the region.

John Speed, a celebrated English cartographer and historian, was known for his meticulous attention to detail and artistic prowess. His maps were not only geographical tools but also works of art, reflecting the knowledge and aesthetics of his time. Speed's contribution to cartography is invaluable, providing a window into the past with a level of accuracy and beauty that continues to captivate historians and collectors alike.

The map highlights the political divisions of the time, with clear demarcations of shires, cities, and towns. It offers a comprehensive view of the British Isles, capturing the essence of regions such as England, Scotland, and Ireland. The map's intricate details extend to the depiction of major cities like London, Edinburgh, and Dublin, offering a fascinating insight into the urban landscapes of the era. These cities, steeped in history, are presented with an elegance that reflects their significance during the 17th century.

Decorative cartouches, heraldic symbols, and inset illustrations add to the map's allure, providing a visual feast for the eyes. The inclusion of views of London and Edinburgh, along with a map of the Orkney Islands, enriches the narrative, offering a glimpse into the architectural and cultural landmarks of the time. The map's artistic elements, such as ships and sea monsters adorning the surrounding waters, evoke a sense of adventure and exploration, characteristic of the period.

The historical significance of this map is profound, as it encapsulates the geographical knowledge and artistic style of the late 17th century. It serves as a testament to the era's cartographic achievements and offers a unique perspective on the British Isles' history. Collectors and enthusiasts will find this map to be a remarkable addition to any collection, a piece that not only informs but also inspires with its beauty and historical depth.

Cities and towns on this map

• England

• London

• Scotland

• Edinburgh

• Ireland

• Dublin

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• View of London
• View of Edinburgh

• Map of the Orkney Islands

• Illustrations:

• Decorative cartouches and heraldic symbols

• Ships and sea monsters in the surrounding waters

• Bodies of water:

• The Irish Sea
• The British Sea

• The Ocean

• Borders:

• Borders of England, Scotland, and Ireland

• Other notable features:

• Compass roses and scale of miles

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker: John Speed, a renowned English cartographer and historian
• Date made: 1676
• Design or style:
• Detailed engravings with decorative elements
• Historical significance:
• Represents a comprehensive view of the British Isles during the late 17th century
• Countries and regions shown:
• England, Scotland, Ireland, and adjacent isles

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 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.