United Kingdom, England, London Chatelain/Guedeville, 1720, Nouvelle carte du Gouvernement Civil d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse et de celui de la Ville de Londres

This richly detailed and visually ornate map of London and England was published by Henri Abraham Chatelain, a prominent Huguenot cartographer and compiler of the 7 volume Atlas Historique. The map integrates cartographic, allegorical, and textual elements to convey a comprehensive visual and textual account of the civil governance of England and its capital, London, during the early 18th century.

At the center top of the sheet is a map of England and Wales, delineating the counties and major towns under civil jurisdiction. To the south, beneath this national map, appears a large, detailed street plan of London, colored in red and green to distinguish built-up areas and open land along the Thames River. Major streets and landmarks are shown, though in schematic form. The urban map is labeled Plan de la Ville de Londres et Diverses Remarques sur Cette Ville, reflecting the importance of the capital in the administration of the kingdom.

Surrounding these two maps are allegorical engravings and extensive explanatory texts. At the upper corners, elaborate hand-colored vignettes present personifications of Liberty, Justice, and Commerce. These allegories are accompanied by long textual "Explication des Emblèmes," interpreting their symbolic significance. The lower half of the sheet contains dense columns of text titled Remarques sur le Gouvernement Civil, providing a didactic overview of the structure of English civil governance, including the Council of State, Chancery, Court of Exchequer, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, and particular privileges of English cities.

Published in 1720 in Amsterdam by Chatelain in his monumental ´Atlas Historique….´, volume 2.

Very good condition. Thick paper.

Image 35x44cm, sheet 45x52cm