The first survey of Hong Kong

A very important chart of Hong Kong. Taken from the survey by Sir Edward Belcher in 1841 (the year before the island was ceded to Britain) and first published 1843, this example shows corrections to 1857. On the south side of the island both Aberdeen and Stanley are marked, while 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.