Rare Old Map of County of Hainaut & Archbishopric of Cambrai by Visscher, 1690: Charleroi, Mons, Cambrai, Parc l'Avesnois, Scarpe-Escaut Park

Delve into the rich history of Belgium and France with this meticulously detailed map, 'Comitatus Hannoniae et Archiepiscopatus Cameracensis Tabula', crafted by Nicolaes Visscher II in 1690. The map, whose title translates to 'Map of the County of Hainaut and the Archbishopric of Cambrai', offers a unique insight into the political and geographical divisions of the region during the late 17th century.

Nicolaes Visscher II, the creator of this map, hailed from a lineage of renowned Dutch cartographers. He was the grandson of Claes Janszoon Visscher, one of the most respected mapmakers from the Dutch Golden Age. The Visscher family's commitment to accuracy and aesthetic appeal is evident in this map, which stands as a testament to their exceptional cartographic skills.

The map features several notable locations, including the cities of Charleroi, Mons, and Cambrai. These cities, each with their own rich history and cultural significance, are intricately detailed, providing a glimpse into their past. Additionally, the map also highlights two important natural landmarks: the Regional Natural Park of Avesnois (Parc naturel régional de l'Avesnois) and the Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park. These parks, known for their lush landscapes and diverse wildlife, add a touch of natural beauty to the map.

The 'Comitatus Hannoniae et Archiepiscopatus Cameracensis Tabula' is more than just a map; it is a window into the past. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a lover of cartography, or simply someone who appreciates fine art, this map is a perfect addition to your collection. Explore the County of Hainaut and the Archbishopric of Cambrai as they were in 1690, and experience a piece of history that continues to fascinate and inspire.

Some of the significant locations shown on this map:

County of Hainaut:

1. Mons: Known as Bergen in Dutch, it was the capital of the County of Hainaut. It was a major center of commerce and culture during the Middle Ages.
2. Charleroi: Founded in 1666, it was named after King Charles II of Spain. It became a significant center for glass and coal industries.
3. Tournai: One of the oldest cities in Belgium, it was known for its rich history and beautiful architecture.
4. Ath: Known as the "City of Giants" due to its annual Ducasse d'Ath festival. It was a significant trading post in the 17th century.
5. Soignies: Known for its stone quarries and St. Vincent's Collegiate church, a significant example of Romanesque architecture.
6. Binche: Famous for its Carnival, which dates back approximately to approximately 1549.
7. Chimay: Known for its Trappist monastery, which produces world-renowned beers and cheeses.
8. Thuin: Known for its hanging gardens and the Belfry, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
9. Enghien: A picturesque town known for its park and cultural heritage.
10. Leuze-en-Hainaut: Known for its agricultural and brewing traditions.
11. Mouscron: Known for its textile industry, it was a significant trading center.
12. La Louvière: Known for its coal mining industry and its boat lifts on the Canal du Centre.
13. Lessines: Known for its quarries producing "Lessines blue" stone, used in construction all over Belgium.
14. Frameries: Known for its coal mining industry.
15. Estinnes: Known for its wind farm, one of the largest in Belgium.

Archbishopric of Cambrai:

1. Cambrai: Known as the "City of Art and History", it was a significant religious center.
2. Douai: Known for its belfry and its university, one of the oldest and most prestigious in France.
3. Valenciennes: Known for its lace-making tradition and its role in the coal industry.
4. Caudry: Known for its lace-making tradition, its products were used in royal weddings.
5. Le Cateau-Cambrésis: Known for being the birthplace of the famous painter Henri Matisse.
6. Denain: Known for its ironworks and coal mines.
7. Maubeuge: Known for its fortifications by Vauban, a famous military engineer.
8. Avesnes-sur-Helpe: Known for its fortifications and its cheese, the Avesnes.
9. Fourmies: Known for its textile industry.
10. Hazebrouck: Known for its Flemish architecture and its annual music festival.
11. Bailleul: Known for its belfry and its annual carnival.
12. Armentières: Known for its textile industry.
13. Roubaix: Known for its textile industry and its museum, La Piscine.
14. Tourcoing: Known for its textile industry and its beautiful city hall.
15. Lille: Known for its vibrant cultural scene and its beautiful old town, Vieux Lille.

Notable Natural Phenomena:

1. Parc naturel régional de l'Avesnois: A beautiful natural park known for its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
2. Scarpe-Escaut Regional Nature Park: The first regional nature park created in France, known for its wetlands and forests.
3. Sambre River: A river that flows through both France and Belgium, known for its picturesque views.
4. Scheldt River: A major river in western Europe, known for its important role in trade and transportation.
5. Hainaut's coal basin: Known for its significant role in the industrial revolution in Belgium.

Notable Historical Events (1600-1690):

1. The Battle of Walcourt (1689): A battle during the Nine Years' War, where the forces of the Grand Alliance defeated the French army near Walcourt.
2. The construction of Charleroi (1666): Charleroi was built by the Spanish as a fortification during the Franco-Spanish War.
3. The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1668): This treaty ended the War of Devolution, and led to changes in the control of various towns in Hainaut and Cambrai.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm), 40x50in (102x127cm), 48x60in (122x153cm) and 56x70in (142x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) 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 of Europe and European cities 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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.