Rare Old Naval Map of La Manche (English Channel) by Bellin, 1763: South Coast of England, Northern France, Isle of Wight, Channel Isles

Embark on a historical voyage with the "Carte Réduite de la Manche," a masterpiece crafted by the renowned French cartographer Jacques Bellin in 1763. Bellin, esteemed for his precision and artistry, served as the Hydrographer to the King of France, a position that underscored his expertise in creating navigational charts. This particular chart, a testament to Bellin's skill, was designed during the tumultuous times of the Seven Years' War, a period marked by global conflict and the struggle for supremacy between France and Great Britain. The map's creation was likely motivated by the need to aid the French Navy in navigating the treacherous waters of the English Channel, or La Manche, during this era of maritime warfare and exploration.

The "Carte Réduite de la Manche" is not merely a navigational tool but a historical document that offers a window into the 18th-century geopolitical landscape. It meticulously outlines the southern coast of the British Isles and the northern coast of France, highlighting only the coastal towns, including the bustling capitals of London and Paris. The map is further enriched by the labeling of key counties and regions such as Sussex, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Normandy, Brittany, Picardy, and Flanders. This careful selection of details provides insight into the areas of strategic and navigational importance during a time when control of the seas was pivotal to national power and colonial expansion.

The chart is a visual feast, adorned with a compass rose and a fleur-de-lis, symbols that not only serve a practical purpose but also add to the aesthetic appeal of the map. The orientation with north at the top and the inclusion of detailed geographic features such as the English Channel, the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea, the Irish Sea, and the Bay of Biscay, along with significant borders, mountains, and bodies of water, make this map a comprehensive guide for sailors of the time. Noteworthy landmarks such as the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Man, and iconic lighthouses like the Eddystone, Bishop Rock, and Fastnet Rock Lighthouses are meticulously marked, showcasing the map's utility and attention to detail.

The inclusion of cities and towns on this map, from the major metropolises of London and Paris to the strategic ports of Plymouth, Portsmouth, and Le Havre, reveals the economic and military significance of these locations during the 18th century. The map also highlights lesser-known but equally important coastal towns and regions, providing a glimpse into the vibrant local economies and cultures that thrived along the shores of the English Channel. This level of detail not only aids in navigation but also serves as a historical record of the bustling life along these coasts during a time of great international rivalry and cooperation.

In essence, the "Carte Réduite de la Manche" by Jacques Bellin is more than just a map; it is a historical artifact that captures the complexity of 18th-century maritime navigation, warfare, and diplomacy. Its creation during the Seven Years' War, a conflict that reshaped the world's political and colonial landscape, imbues it with historical significance. For collectors, historians, and aficionados of cartography, this map is a luxurious glimpse into a bygone era, offering both aesthetic beauty and a rich tapestry of historical narratives waiting to be explored.

Cities and towns on this map

• England
• London (8,982,000)
• Plymouth (264,000)
• Portsmouth (205,400)
• Southampton (253,600)
• Brighton (273,400)
• Hastings (97,500)
• Dover (39,100)
• Folkestone (52,900)
• Margate (60,400)
• Ramsgate (40,400)
• Sheerness (54,400)
• Southend-on-Sea (183,000)
• France
• Paris (2,206,488)
• Le Havre (178,995)
• Rouen (110,755)
• Caen (107,229)
• Cherbourg (80,162)
• Saint-Malo (46,184)
• Granville (12,943)
• Avranches (7,976)
• Dieppe (31,962)
• Fécamp (19,583)
• Boulogne-sur-Mer (40,397)
• Calais (72,944)
• Dunkerque (91,386)
• Other
• Saint Helier, Jersey (33,500)
• Saint Peter Port, Guernsey (18,200)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Inset maps:
• A map of the Channel Islands
• A map of the Scilly Isles
• Bodies of water:
• The English Channel
• The Atlantic Ocean
• The North Sea
• The Irish Sea
• The Bay of Biscay
• Borders:
• The border between England and France
• The border between England and Wales
• The border between England and Scotland
• The border between Ireland and Northern Ireland
• Mountains:
• The Cheviot Hills
• The Pennines
• The Cambrian Mountains
• The Black Mountains
• The Mourne Mountains
• Other notable features:
• The Isle of Wight
• The Isle of Man
• The Eddystone Lighthouse
• The Bishop Rock Lighthouse
• The Fastnet Rock Lighthouse

Historical and design context

• Title: Carte Réduite de la Manche
• Date: 1763
• Mapmaker: Jacques Bellin
• Topics: This is a Country Naval Chart.
• Geographic coverage: The map covers all of the southern coast of the British Isles, and the northern coast of France. Only coastal towns are labelled, along with London and Paris. Some counties/regions are labelled, such as Sussex, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall, Normandy, Brittany, Picardy, and Flanders.
• Design: The map is a hand-drawn, colored map. It is oriented with north at the top. The map is decorated with a compass rose and a fleur-de-lis.
• Historical context: This map was made during the Seven Years' War (1756-1763). The war was fought between Great Britain and France, and their respective allies. The war was fought over a number of issues, including control of the North American colonies and the Caribbean. The map was likely made to help the French Navy navigate the English Channel during the war.

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.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.