1830 Greenwood 'Giant' Map of London, England
London-greenwood-1830$30,000.00
Title
Map of London, from An Actual Survey made in the Years 1824, 1824 and 1826 by C. and J. Greenwood.
1830 (dated) 51 x 75.5 in (129.54 x 191.77 cm) 1 : 7920
1830 (dated) 51 x 75.5 in (129.54 x 191.77 cm) 1 : 7920
Description
This is the rare 1830 second edition of Christopher and John Greenwood's large-scale map of London, here in a spectacularly preserved example. It is considered the largest and finest plan of London to appear in the 19th century. The present example is linen-backed and accompanied by its original green leather slipcase.
A Closer Look
This map is the result of a 3-year survey effort by brothers Christopher and John Greenwood. Coverage extends from Kentish Town in the north to the River Lea, Greenwich, and Kensington. Vignette images in the lower corners illustrate Westminster Abbey and St. Paul's Cathedral. The map captures Thomas Cubitt's development of Belgravia, outlines new roads in Bayswater, follows the 1826 completion of the Grand Surrey Canal, and maps Regent's Park as it was being developed. The Greenwood map was not superseded for detail and accuracy until the emergence of the Ordnance Survey in the mid-19th century.Updates over the First Edition
This map was issued in the wake of King George IV's death and King William IV's assumption of the throne just 2 months prior. It includes an additional 7 inches of content at the bottom center, where the 1827 edition featured a dedication to King George IV (1762 - 1830), thus expanding coverage to include parts of Stockwell, Camberwell, and Peckham. A new dedication appears in the upper right, this time to King William IV. Additional changes include:- Regent's Park: Expanded and enhanced layout, reflecting major improvements.
- Cambridge Square, Oxford Square, and Hyde Park Gardens: Inclusion of newly developed areas.
- Chelsea: Additional named locations throughout.
- Earl's Court: Additional named locations throughout.
- Bayswater: Additional detail, including the addition of the Sovereign Brewery.
Publication History and Census
This map was engraved in six plates for Greenwood, Pringle and Company in 1827 by James and Josiah Neele. This is the second edition, issued in 1830 with updates by Josiah Neele.CartographerS
Christopher Greenwood (May 21, 1786 - March 25, 1825) was a British surveyor and mapmaker active in Wakefield and London in the early 19th century. He was born in Gisburn, Yorkshire. He lived and worked in Wakefield until 1818, when he moved to London. He partnered with George Pringle and Pringle's son George, to publish maps. This partnership lasted until 1828, when it was dissolved. Pringle was imprisoned for debt in 1834 and his map plates sold at auction in 1840. He worked extensively with his brother John Greenwood (1791 - 1867) and the engraver Samuel John Neele. He is best known for his enormous 1827 wall map of London. More by this mapmaker...
John Greenwood (March 25, 1791 - October 1, 1867) was a British surveyor, mapmaker, and publisher active in London in the early to mid-19th century. John was the younger brother of fellow mapmaker, Christopher Greenwood (1786 - 1825). He was born in Gisburn, Yorkshire. He worked for a time in London with his brother John, and George Kemp in a surveying partnership. The Kemp partnership was dissolved in 1827, curiously around the same time the Greenwood brothers issued their monumental plan of London. Learn More...
Josiah Neele (March 30, 1804 - March 22, 1876) was a British map engraver, printer, and publisher active in London during the middle part of the 19th century. Neele was the son of Samuel John Neele (1758 - 1824), also a prominent map engraver. He apprenticed under his father along with Ebenezer Stalker (1780 - 1847) with whom he briefly partnered until 1825. At that time, he went into business with his uncle, George Neele, and his brother, James Neele. George retired in 1826, ending that partnership, after which the brothers published until 1929 under the imprint of 'James and Josiah Neele'. Josiah subsequently continued the business under his own name, operating from their former offices at 352 Strand, until 1836, when he declared bankruptcy. In 1845 he married Eliza Atwood of Haverfordwest and in the wedding documents he is described as a stationer. He retired to Wiltshire in 1871 and died five years later in 1876. Learn More...
Condition
Pristine. Original color. Original linen backing. Original tooled leather slipcase.
References
Howgego, James L., Printed Maps of London circa 1553-1850, #309. Rumsey 10241.001.