This one-of-a-kind map of Wales, compiled in 1580 by the father of British cartography Christopher Saxton, was the first accurate map of many parts of Wales.
Curiously the map was never published, but many parts of it were used in his larger map of England & Wales.
This map is exceedingly rare - just one copy exists - and is currently owned by the National Library of Wales.
This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm), and 24x30 inches (61x76cm), but it looks even better when printed large.
I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 80 inches (200cm) wide. Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.
The model in the listing images is holding the 24x18 inch (60x45cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
Please note the unframed 24x30 inch (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.
Established in 1984, The Unique Maps Co. sources rare original maps from around the world, and then lovingly restores them at a workshop in London. I guarantee that you cannot buy prints of these old maps, at this high quality, anywhere else.
Most of Wales' most notable towns, villages and cities are already clearly visible in this old map - though some towns and counties had slightly different names back then, like Brecon used to be called Breknok, and Pembrokeshire used to be Penbrokshire.
Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Denbigh, Carnarvon, Carmarthen, Bangor, Abergavenny, Hay on Wye - they're all here, along with their counties, rivers, villages, mountains and more. This is a wonderfully detailed map of Wales.
Rather cutely, instead of an attempt at drawing the relief and topography of Wales, there are instead smaller and larger brown lumps that represent hills and mountains.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from Wales, or someone who has Wales close to their heart.
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.