Collecting Antique Maps - What Kind of Maps? More Tips for the Novice!

​What Kind of antique maps are available to collectors?  In my previous post on the subject I highlighted river maps. Another subject that's collected by map enthusiasts is antique road maps. Way before google was around the Romans produced a pretty accurate map of the fifty thousand or more miles of roads in the Empire in around the third century.  Jump forward in time to the late seventeenth century and sheet maps showing post roads and 'cross-roads' in England and Wales appeared but were limited in detail.  One of the most popular for collectors nowadays first appeared in 1675 with John Ogilby inventing the 'strip map'.

Above: Large Antique Road Map by John Ogilby c1675 'The Continuation of the Road from London to Lands End commencing at Crookham to Axminster to Honiton to Rockbere to the City of Exeter to Chidley to Ashburton to Brent to Plymouth' An original Road Map by John Ogilby being Part 3 (Plate 27) of the Road to Lands End. This part starting at Crookshorn via Axminster, Honiton, Exeter, Ashburton, Buckford through to Plymouth.

Ogilby's Britannia - A Geographical and Historical Description of the Principle Roads thereof, consisted of 100 maps of the principle roads of England and Wales, engraved in strip form. These maps provided details of the roads themselves and descriptive notes of the country on either side.  Each strip had a compass rose to indicate changes in direction.  Ogilby measured over 25,000 miles of roads all surveyed on foot with a 'perambulator' or measuring wheel.  So maybe road maps might be something of interest if you're new to collecting.  There maps are a nice size for displaying framed on a wall the approx sheet size: being about 14" X 20"  and they can often be found in local auctions or like everything for sale online.

Happy Hunting!

You can see more examples of road maps HERE.