The first survey of Hong Kong
Hong Kong. Surveyed by Capt.n Sir Edward Belcher, in H.M.S. Sulphur 1841.
London: Hydrographic Office of the Admiralty, May 1st 1843-6. 625 x 930mm, paper watermarked 'J Whatman 1855'.
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Description
A very important chart of Hong Kong, engraved by J. & C. Walker from the survey by Sir Edward Belcher in 1841, the year before the island was ceded to Britain.
This is a very early state, with corrections to 1846, only three years after the first edition, printed on Whatman paper, the best quality available, in 1855. It depicts the early years of the colony, before much of the development. The settlement at Victoria is unnamed, although Victoria Bay and Victoria Peak are. On the south side of the island both Aberdeen and Stanley have yet to be given their English names, and Kowloon is little more than a fort.
This remained the best chart of Hong Kong for many years and was re-issued until at least 1960, heavily revised. Early examples of these charts remain rare as they were issued for practical use and were discarded when updated versions became available.
Captain Edward Belcher produced charts of all over the world for the Navy and also wrote accounts of his voyage around the world and an expedition to the Arctic. He ended his career in the navy as an Admiral.