Rare Old Map of Monmouthshire by Speed, 1610: Monmouth, Abergavenny, Chepstow, Newport, Usk

"The Countye of Monmouth," crafted by the esteemed English cartographer John Speed in 1610, is a captivating window into the past, showcasing the intricate political and physical landscape of Monmouthshire during the early 17th century. This map, part of Speed's renowned atlases "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine" and "A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World," is a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and his profound understanding of geography. The map not only delineates the boundaries and topographical features of Monmouthshire but also provides a glimpse into the administrative divisions and the rich historical tapestry of the region.

John Speed's work is distinguished by its elaborate design and decorative elements, which include coats of arms, portraits, and ornate cartouches. These embellishments are not merely ornamental but serve to contextualize the map within the socio-political milieu of the time. The relief is artfully depicted through sketches, adding a three-dimensional quality to the representation of mountains and valleys. The map's aesthetic appeal is matched by its precision, making it a valuable resource for historians and collectors alike.

The map of Monmouthshire is replete with details of towns and settlements, each meticulously labeled. Notable towns such as Monmouth, Abergavenny, Chepstow, and Newport are prominently featured, reflecting their significance in the region's history. The inclusion of smaller settlements like Usk, Caldicot, Raglan, and Caerleon further enriches the map's narrative, offering a comprehensive view of the county's inhabited landscape. These towns, many of which continue to thrive today, are depicted with a level of detail that underscores their historical importance.

In addition to its detailed depiction of human settlements, the map also highlights the natural features that define Monmouthshire's geography. The undulating terrain, characterized by mountains and valleys, is rendered with remarkable clarity, providing insight into the region's physical landscape. Rivers, which have historically played a crucial role in shaping the county's development, are also prominently featured. The map's ability to convey both the natural and man-made elements of Monmouthshire makes it a fascinating study of the interplay between geography and human activity.

The historical significance of John Speed's map extends beyond its geographical accuracy. As part of the most important English language atlases of the 17th century, this map reflects the period's cartographic advancements and the expanding knowledge of the world. The inclusion of coats of arms and portraits of notable figures adds a layer of historical context, linking the map to the broader narrative of British history. For collectors and enthusiasts, "The Countye of Monmouth" is not just a map but a piece of history, offering a tangible connection to the past and a deeper understanding of the region's heritage.

Cities and towns on this map

• Monmouth
• Abergavenny
• Chepstow
• Usk
• Caldicot
• Raglan
• Caerleon
• Newport
• Trelech
• Llanfihangel

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed depiction of the town of Monmouth.
• Portrait of a notable figure (possibly a local dignitary or historical figure).
• Various coats of arms representing local nobility or administrative divisions.

Historical and design context

• This map is part of John Speed's atlases, "The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine" and "A Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World."
• Published by Bassett & Chiswell in 1676, it is a late edition of both works originally published in 1612 for the Theatre and 1627 for the Prospect.
• The 1676 edition of the Prospect expands the maps from 21 in the 1627 edition to 28, including new maps of British possessions in North America.
• These atlases are considered the most important English language atlases of the 17th century.
• The Theatre was published by various publishers from 1612 to around 1770.
• The Prospect was published by various publishers from 1627 to 1676.
• Relief on the map is shown by sketches.
• John Speed was a notable English cartographer and historian.
• Decorative elements including coats of arms, portraits, and cartouches.
• Detailed engravings showing topography and settlements.
• Provides insight into 17th-century cartography and geographical knowledge.
• Reflects the administrative and political boundaries of the time.
• Part of important English language atlases that were widely published and used.

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 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.

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.