1712 Wells Map of the British Isles (England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland)

This is a beautiful 1712 map of the British Isles by Edward Wells of Oxford. It covers all of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Highly detailed, it notes the present (1712) general division, cities, towns and places as answer to the towns of note in the time of the Romans. Rivers, roads and other topographical features are also noted.

The Wall of Antonine in modern day Scotland and the Wall of Hadrian, fortifications built by the Roman Empire to defend against the unruly tribes of the north, are noted, but not identified.

A decorative cartouche appears on the top right quadrant of the map featuring the coat of arms of the Duke of Gloucester. This, like many other Wells maps, is dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester and son of Queen Anne, who, when this map was being prepared, was a student at Oxford. Engraved by Sutton Nicholls and published by T. Bonwicke for the 1712 edition of Edward Wells' Atlas, A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography.

Cartographer

Edward Wells (1667 - 1727) was an English mathematician, geographer, and classical scholar based at Christ Church College, Oxford. Wells trained for the ministry but quickly found himself unsuited to religious life and instead applied for an academic position at Oxford, where he authored numerous well respected works on a wide range of mathematical and scientific topics. He tutored Prince William, the sickly son of Queen Anne, who was likely about 11 at the time this map was prepared. Wells dedicated nearly all of the maps in his atlas, A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography, to the young prince - quite possibly posthumously, as William died in July of 1700 shortly prior to the publication of the atlas. Nonetheless, Wells' geography proved popular and was published in number editions well into the 1730s.   Further Details...

Source

Wells, E., A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography, (London, T. w. Bonwicke) c. 1712.    

A New Sett of Maps both of Ancient and Present Geography was published by Edward Wells in various editions between 1701 and 1730. The publication contained some 40 maps all of which were dedicated to Prince William, Duke of Gloucester. Wells tutored the young prince at Christchurch, Oxford and seems to have developed a close relationship with him. At just 11 years of age, William died in 1700 and never had the opportunity to see the published work that he inspired. The atlas was intended for educational purposes with a focus on school use.

Condition

Very good. Some wear and foxing along original centerfold. Original platemark visible. Professionally flattened and backed with archival tissue.

References

Boston Public Library, Leventhal Map Center, G5740 1719.2 .W45.