Old Map of Kent, 1611 by John Speed – Canterbury, Maidstone, Bromley, Tunbridge, Margate

This old, monochrome and wonderful map shows the ancient county of Kent as it was in 1611. It was created by John Speed and engraved by Jodocus Hondius, and originally published in Speed’s “The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine”.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12×16 inches (31x41cm), 18×24 inches (45.5x61cm), and 24×30 inches (61x76cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 52×70 inches (130x180cm). Please get in touch if you’re looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 24×18 inch (61×45.5cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

I also have this same map in its handcoloured form. Depending on your room’s aesthetic/decor, you might prefer this version.

Many of the towns, villages and cities in Kent are already visible in this map. In the bottom left is a detailed engraving of Canterbury, along with a legend and more than 50 points of interest. In the bottom right there’s a cute inset engraving of Rochester and the river Medway.

Some of the towns, villages and places clearly visible in this old map include: Canterbury, Dover, Rye, Tunbridge, Maidstone, Hever, Orpington, Edenbridge, Ashford, Folkstone, Isle of Sheppey, Whitstable and Bromley.

In the northwest, you can see London, which was just a little city back then. Southwark and Stepney are just visible, as are Blackheath, Greenwich, Woolwich, Lewisham and Beckenham – which were part of Kent back then. Of course, many of the towns are spelt in their Early Modern English forms, which only adds to the charm.

Take a look at the detailed images and try to spot your hometown!

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from Kent or who has The Garden of England close to their heart.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.