Antique MapNORTHAMPTONIAE (Northamptonshire)Comitatus descriptio in quo Coritani olim insederuntEngraved by William Kip after Christopher Saxton Published in Camden's Britannia, London 1637A fine copper engraved original early 17th century antique map of Northamptonshire, England enhanced with attractive later hand colouring. A highly detailed map with a strapwork title cartouche, compass rose, reference to the hundreds and scale of miles. The side margins are close trimmed as issued but reinstated with antique paper to facilitate mounting/matting for framing, otherwise fine, clean condition. All borders are intact. Centre fold as issued.Approx. 14"" x 11""(360mm x 280mm) map area only, with good margins beyond. Sheet size approx 15"" x 12.5""(390mm x 310mm) Printed on hand laid paper which remains stable and robust, blank verso. Please see also close up images.William Camden (1551- 1623) was a noted historian, author and headmaster of Westminster School. His greatest work was ""Britannia, or a Chorographical Description of the most Flourishing Kingdoms, England, Scotland and Ireland."".Usually referred to as Camden's Britannia, it was first published in 1586. It was later to be ""beautifed with mappes of the severall shires of England"". Three editions with these maps were published in 1607, 1610 and 1637. The first edition was printed on very thin paper with Latin text verso which often bled through on to the face of the map. This problem was corrected on subsequent editions which were printed on heavier paper without the text verso and consequently much clearer.Most of the county maps were based on Christopher Saxton's work with the exception of Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Sussex, Surrey and Middlesex which came from John Norden. The maps of Scotland and Ireland were based on Gerard Mercator. The majority were engraved by William Kip with the remainder by William Hole.A GENUINE ANTIQUE MAP GUARANTEED OVER 380 YEARS OLD FROM LINDISFARNE PRINTSD923