Old Habour of St. Paul in Malta Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Soundings, Lighthouses

Immerse yourself in the rich maritime history of the Mediterranean with the exquisite 1802 nautical chart, "The Harbor of St. Paul in Malta," crafted by the renowned English cartographer William Heather. This chart is not only a navigational piece but also a rare artifact from Heather's acclaimed work, The New Mediterranean Pilot. This was the pioneering English series detailing the ports of the Mediterranean, a project that placed Heather at the forefront of nautical charting during the era. His charts are celebrated for their meticulous detail and fine engraving, predominantly executed by the distinguished London engraver John Stephenson.

This particular chart is uniquely oriented with south at the top, a feature that distinguishes it from many other nautical maps of the period. It meticulously documents the harbor of St. Paul's Bay in Malta, showcasing an array of soundings, topographical features, and anchorages. The inclusion of these details not only provided essential information for navigation but also offers a glimpse into the geographical understanding of the time. The chart's precision in depicting various maritime elements, including the depths and coastal outlines, makes it an invaluable resource for understanding 18th-century naval navigation.

Among the notable features illustrated on the chart are several lighthouses and towers, crucial for the sailors' orientation, including the enigmatic "Redemption" tower near Għajn Ħadid Tower. The presence of these structures highlights the strategic importance of St. Paul's Bay as a safe anchorage and a point of reference for sailors navigating the perilous waters of the Mediterranean. The detailed rendering of these aids to navigation underscores the chart's utility and historical significance.

The chart also offers a fascinating insight into the broader geopolitical and cultural landscape of the Mediterranean region during the early 19th century. At this time, Malta was a pivotal maritime hub within the extensive British Empire, serving as a critical point of control and communication between Europe and the more remote colonies. The chart, therefore, not only served a practical navigational purpose but also played a role in the larger British imperial strategy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of maritime cartography and global empire-building.

Collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history will find "The Harbor of St. Paul in Malta" a magnificent addition to their collection, offering a window into the art of nautical charting, the strategic maritime routes of the Mediterranean, and the British naval presence in the region. This chart is not merely a tool for navigation; it is a piece of history, capturing the essence of Mediterranean maritime life in the early 1800s. Its rarity and historical value make it a treasured artifact, emblematic of a time when maritime charts were vital to exploration, commerce, and understanding our world's seas and shores.

Notable Places on This Map

• St. Paul's Bay: A key location prominently featured on the map.
• The town of St. Paul: Highlighted as the capital of Malta.
• The island of Malta: Situated strategically in the Mediterranean Sea.
• The country of Malta: A member of the European Union.
• The continent of Europe: Positioned in the Northern Hemisphere.

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Soundings: Detailed measurements of water depths in fathoms are shown.
• Navigational aids: Includes a compass rose, currents, and water channels.
• Lighthouses and towers: Essential for maritime navigation, several are depicted.
• "Redemption" tower: A mysterious landmark near Għajn Ħadid Tower.

Historical and Design Context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: William Heather, a prominent figure in early 19th-century cartography.
• Publication Date: 1802, a period rich in maritime exploration and mapping.
• Chart Style: Finely engraved, showcasing meticulous detail and precision.
• Historical Significance: Represents an early English nautical chart of the Mediterranean, crucial for understanding regional cartography of the era.
• Design or Style: The map is noted for its detailed engraving and clarity, typical of Heather's work.
• Orientation: Uniquely oriented with south at the top, which is atypical for most maps of this period.

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 50in (125cm). 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.