1813 / 1814 Henry Cooper 1814 Folding Map of London

This is a scarce, folding map of London published in 1814 by J. M. Richardson to accompany John Lockie's Gazetteer, Topography of London.

A Closer Look

The plan follows the river Thames from Chelsea Reach to Blackwall Reach, and thus embraces London from Chelsea to the west to the Isle of Dogs in the east. The northern extent of the map reaches Pentonville and Hackney; south of the Thames the map extends to Kennington, Walworth, and Deptford. In addition to established Thames bridges are two proposed bridges - the Vauxhall Bridge and the Strand - along with the proposed roads connecting these to the existing roads of South London. These include the road from Vauxhall Bridge to the Kennington Oval, and then further east towards the Kent Road.

The map is clearly engraved and richly detailed, including marsh lands, canals, docks and parks; water works, alms houses, gardens, and glue factories; high roads and footways. The map's original wash color distinguishes green spaces and waterways, and the bounds of the old city are tinted in pink.

Publication History and Census

This map was initially engraved in 1813 by Henry Cooper for inclusion in John Lockie's Topography of London. Howgego notes four editions of the map, of which this is the second, printed in 1814 after James M. Richardson took over the publication of the Topography. We see only four examples of this separate map in institutional collections; we see only one example corresponding with this 1814 edition, held by the National Library of Scotland.