John Speed’s map of Bedfordshire

An important map of Bedfordshire, engraved by Jodocus Hondius for John Speed's county atlas, 'The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain', first published 1611-12. It is one of the most decorative maps of the county, with ornate cartouches for the title, scale and text-box and, an inset plan of Bedford. This example comes from the last edition of the atlas. Although the plate was still being printed as late as 1770, there was no accompanying text.