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 is an example of the uncommon second edition, which was begun in 1614 (two years after the first edition) but not completed until 1616, presumably delayed by the death of the original printer William Hall.