Embark on a maritime journey through history with "Samuel Price's Chart of the British Channel," a masterpiece crafted by the esteemed Charles Price in 1729. This naval chart is not merely a navigational tool but a window into the 18th-century maritime landscape, meticulously documenting the intricate dance of the English Channel's waters. Charles Price, a distinguished bookseller, publisher, and esteemed member of both the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Sciences in Berlin, poured his vast knowledge and passion for cartography into this creation. His dedication to precision and detail has immortalized the southern coast of England, parts of Wales, the northern coast of France, and the Channel Islands in a way that transcends time, offering us a glimpse into the maritime routes and challenges of yesteryears.
The chart's geographical scope is as breathtaking as its historical significance, covering the south coast of England up to Harwich in the northeast, and Pembrokeshire in the northwest. It beautifully captures the essence of the northern French coast, including Normandy, Brittany, and parts of Picardy, albeit leaving Calais just beyond its reach. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the labeling of only coastal towns and significant landmarks such as London, Southwark, and Woolwich along the Thames. Such precision not only served the navigational needs of the 18th-century seafarers but now provides us with a valuable historical document that showcases the geographical knowledge and maritime importance of these regions during the period.
Beyond its practical maritime utility, the chart is adorned with artistic elements that elevate it from a mere sea chart to a work of art. The dedication to Samuel Masham, 1st Baron Masham, is flanked by two cherubs, embodying the elegance and reverence of the era. A compass rose and rhumb lines guide the mariner's path, while decorative flourishes and illustrations of notable features like the Eddystone Lighthouse, the Goodwin Sands, and the Isle of Wight add a layer of aesthetic pleasure and historical context to the chart, making it a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The rarity of this chart adds to its allure. Originally intended for inclusion in Charles Price's ambitious "Atlas maritimus, or, A new sea atlas," the chart's journey is as tumultuous as the seas it depicts. Price's vision for a comprehensive sea atlas, addressing the "Great want of a good sett of Sea Charts" in Great Britain, was cut short as he found himself in debtor's prison in 1731. The atlas, a rarity with no known examples in British Institutions, survives in a few precious copies, making this chart a remarkable survivor of history, ambition, and the unforgiving nature of the sea.
In summary, "Samuel Price's Chart of the British Channel" is more than a map; it is a testament to the art of cartography, the ambition of its creator, and the rich maritime history of the 18th century. It captures the complexity of the English Channel's geography, the strategic importance of its coastal towns, and the beauty of its maritime landscape. For collectors, historians, and maritime enthusiasts, this chart is not just a purchase; it's an investment in a piece of history that continues to tell the story of an era where the sea was both a challenge and a pathway to new horizons.
Cities and towns on this map
- England:
- London (modern day population: 8,982,000)
- Bristol (463,400)
- Southampton (253,600)
- Portsmouth (205,400)
- Brighton (203,000)
- Plymouth (264,400)
- Exeter (129,800)
- Weymouth (71,700)
- Dorchester (19,000)
- Bridport (13,700)
-
Lyme Regis (4,000)
-
France:
- Cherbourg (82,500)
- Barfleur (620)
- Saint-Vaast-la-Hougue (2,100)
- La Hougue (1,800)
- Saint-Malo (46,000)
- Dinard (10,500)
- Saint-Brieuc (44,500)
- Paimpol (5,300)
- Tréguier (2,600)
- Lannion (20,200)
- Morlaix (15,000)
- Roscoff (3,500)
- Brest (140,000)
- Le Conquet (2,700)
- Camaret-sur-Mer (2,600)
- Crozon (7,300)
- Douarnenez (14,200)
- Audierne (3,700)
- Pont-l'Abbé (8,400)
- Quimper (63,000)
- Concarneau (20,200)
- Lorient (57,500)
- Port-Louis (2,700)
- Quiberon (5,000)
- Belle-Île-en-Mer (5,300)
- Houat (220)
-
Hoëdic (120)
-
Channel Islands:
- Saint Peter Port (18,200)
- Saint Helier (33,500)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Bodies of water: The English Channel, The Atlantic Ocean, The Bristol Channel, The Celtic Sea, The Irish Sea, The North Sea
- Borders: The border between England and Wales
- Mountains: The Cheviot Hills
- Illustrations: A dedication to Samuel Masham, 1st Baron Masham, two cherubs, a compass rose, rhumb lines, decorative flourishes
- Other: The Goodwin Sands, The Isle of Wight, The Scilly Isles, Eddystone Lighthouse
Historical and design context
- The map is titled "Samuel Price's Chart of the British Channel, from the Land's End to the North Foreland: With the Soundings, Sands, Rocks, &c. Exactly laid down, and the Courses and Distances from Place to Place, According to the Observations of the Most Experienced Pilots".
- Created by Charles Price in 1729, a known bookseller and publisher who was a member of the Royal Society and the Royal Academy of Sciences in Berlin.
- The map is a Country Naval Chart, showcasing the south coast of England up to Harwich in the northeast, and Pembrokeshire in the northwest, along with most of the northern coast of France, including Normandy and Brittany.
- It is a valuable historical document providing a snapshot of the English Channel in the 18th century, and a beautiful example of cartography from the period.
- Part of Charles Price's ambitious project for "Atlas maritimus, or, A new sea atlas," intended to address the need for comprehensive sea charts in Great Britain.
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 100in (250cm). 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.