Old Lérins Islands and Bay of Cannes Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Forts, Monastery, Passages

Embark on a Nautical Journey with "A Chart of the Islands of St. Margaret and St. Honorat"

Delve into the captivating maritime history of the French Riviera with "A Chart of the Islands of St. Margaret and St. Honorat, with the Road of Gourjean, and the Bay of Cannes." Crafted in 1802 by the esteemed mapmaker William Heather, this chart is a part of Heather’s pioneering work, "The New Mediterranean Pilot." The map not only serves as a navigational aid but also as a historical artifact, illustrating the strategic maritime routes and notable maritime structures of the era. This chart is particularly valuable for its detailed depiction of the coastal and island geography near Cannes, including the illustrious Iles de Lerins.

A Closer Look at the Chart's Rich Details

This finely engraved nautical chart showcases the meticulous detail characteristic of early 19th-century cartography. It features the Ile Sainte Marguerite and Ile Saint-Honorat, prominently known for their rich histories involving monastic life and fortifications. The chart includes precise soundings and sailing directions, essential for navigating the complex coastal waters. Noteworthy are the depictions of Fort Croisette, Fort Royal, and the Monastery, which not only serve as navigational landmarks but also echo the turbulent history and architectural heritage of the region.

Navigational Features and Topographical Detail

The chart is replete with a wealth of navigational and topographical details. It marks significant maritime pathways such as the Western Passage, Eastern Passage, and the lesser-known Tradouire Passage, crucial for the sailors of the time. The inclusion of various topographical features like Green Bank, Cape Roux, and Western Point provides a comprehensive understanding of the landscape. These features are not just practical for navigation but also offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Riviera coast.

Historical Significance and Cartographic Excellence

William Heather’s contribution to maritime cartography is notably advanced for his time. This chart is part of the first English endeavor to systematically document the ports of the Mediterranean—a task previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Heather’s charts stand out for their precision and aesthetic quality, largely attributed to the skills of London engraver John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns many of Heather’s works. This chart is a testament to the evolution of nautical charting in the early 1800s and reflects a significant period in maritime history.

A Maritime Artifact of Aesthetic and Practical Merit

For enthusiasts of nautical history, collectors of maritime maps, or admirers of the French Riviera’s storied past, this chart is a treasure. It not only serves as a functional piece of navigational history but also as an artistic relic that captures the essence of maritime exploration during a pivotal era. Owning this chart is akin to possessing a fragment of the rich tapestry of Mediterranean maritime lore, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a tangible connection to the seafaring heritage that shaped much of Europe’s coastal history.

What can be seen on this map

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• Harbours: Gourjan
• Islands: Iles de Lerins (Sainte Marguerite, Saint-Honorat)
• Large structures: Fort Croisette, Fort Royal, Fort de la Batterie, Monastery
• Topographical features: Green Bank, Cape Roux, Western Point, Vineyard, St Feriol

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the location of Fort Croisette, Fort Ragon, and Fort Bataguas.
• The map shows the location of the Lérins Islands, including Île Sainte-Marguerite and Île Saint-Honorat.
• The map shows the location of the Friars Islands.
• The map shows the location of the Bay of Gourjean.
• The map shows the location of the Cape Roux.
• The map shows the location of the Western Passage.
• The map shows the location of the Eastern Passage.
• The map shows the location of the Tradouire Passage.

Historical and design context

• Title: A Chart of the Islands of St. Margaret and St. Honorat, with the Road of Gourjean, and the Bay of Cannes
• Date: 1802
• Mapmaker/publisher: William Heather. Heather’s The New Mediterranean Pilot
• Topics and themes: This is a Nautical Chart.
• Countries and regions: France, Cannes, Pointe Croisette, Ile Sainte Marguerite, Ile Saint-Honorat
• Design or style: Rare Chart of the Islands near Cannes Very scarce miniature engraved chart of Pointe Croisette, Ile Sainte Marguerite, Ile Saint-Honorat on the French Riviera.
• Historical significance: This small chart comes from the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean, although the genre was well established in France, Italy, and Spain already. The first was published by Joseph Roux in Marseilles in 1764, with versions published in several Italian port cities. The French and Italian versions were of relatively crude execution, but Heather’s version is notable for the finely engraved charts, many signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.

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