c1690      MORDEN, Robert

 

Probably to make the most of a new monarch´s accession, Robert Morden published two new maps of England and Wales following the instatement of William and Mary. One of the maps, by Robert Morden and Joseph Pask, was a magnificent map of the roads of England and Wales derived from John Ogilby’s ‘Britannia’ of 1675. According to Laurence Worms, Robert Morden´s reputation is underrated and describes him as “a prolific and inventive map maker whose critical reputation despite a string of innovations, remains undeservedly low”. Joseph Pask was a stationer and publisher in London who may have been related to Robert Pask of the same profession. Joseph Pask´s name appears jointly in the imprint of the Robert Morden pack of playing cards of the counties of England and Wales issued as ‘A Pocket Book of all the Counties’ c.1680. Most of his collaborations were with Morden. Although undated this map may be placed at c.1690 as the Royal Coat of Arms of William and Mary are depicted, they reigned from 1689-94. The roads are depicted with double line, broader ones for the main or post roads, and finer ones for branch ones. The distances between towns in miles are placed alongside. Accirding to one dealer there are just four recorded examples of this map known: the British Library and three in private collections, but one has also been found in the Rauner Special Collections Library, part of Dartmouth Library, Hanover, NH, USA.

The map shows a large number of post or main roads and minor, or cross roads, both with double lines although the thickness seems to represent their importnce. Thus two “thick” routes enter both Devon and Corwall but also many minor roads. The distances between towns are given within the double lines for great roads and along the route for smaller cross roads. There are three small compass roses. 

Itinerarium ANGLIAE / or a Map of Roads. / Wherein are Contained all the Road Wales / And the Principall / Cross Roads, with the Computed Distances and ye / Distinction of the Market, Post Towns &c. in / ENGLAND & WALES. / Sold by Robt. Morden at the Atlas in Corn-hill / and by Jos. Pask at the 3 Ink Bottles in Castle / Ally ath the West end of the Royall Exchang / London. Printed upper right is a scroll cartouche supported by cherubs, decorated with fruit and foliage. Above there is a figure of Mercury, with winged helmet and his caduceus, the wand with serpents twined around it. And there is an illustration of riders in a cartouche. The date is assumed as the royal arms are those of William and Mary above the second scroll cartouche and table of symbols top left. Size:  sheet = 525 mm x 620 mm; map = 510 mm x 588 mm. (BL, CB illustrated, Rauner).

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 1690  MORDEN, Robert

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Shirley Morden 9