An Antique Map of England & Wales for the use of Eton School

The name Arrowsmith is well known in map circles. Arron Arrowsmith (1750-1823) was the founder of one of the leading London map publishing houses in the early nineteenth century. He worked as a surveyor for John Cary, working on various road surveys which appeared in Cary's Travellers Companion in 1790. Having established his own business his reputation became widespread internationally as he specialised in compiling maps recording the discoveries made in different parts of the world. Arrowsmith was also diligent in revising and improving his maps to keep them current, and served as an inspiration for the next generation of surveyors.

​When Arron died in 1823 the business and title of Hydrographer to the King passed to his sons, Aaron (1802-1854) and Samuel (1805-1839) who worked as partners from 1823 to 1832, when Aaron resigned to join the church. While the partners never achieved the heights of their father, in addition to reprinting from his stock, they produced numbers of important maps for the Parliamentary Papers, a school atlas, a bible atlas and a series of wall maps of classical history.  Samuel died at age 34 in 1839; his brother presided over his funeral. The remaining stock and copper plates were bought at auction by John Arrowsmith, their cousin.

This map is an example from the school atlas: A Comparative Atlas of Ancient And Modern Geography, From original Authorities, and upon a New Plan For The Use Of Eton School, By A. Arrowsmith, Hydrographer to His Majesty. 1828. London, Published by the Author, 10, Soho Square, Sold also by E. Williams, Eton, and at the Eton Warehouse, 10, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. This edition Published Jany. 2, 1828 by S. Arrowsmith Hydrographer to His Majesty, No. 10, Soho Square.