This classic map of Durham is from a series of maps by arguably the most famous English cartographer John Speed (1552-1629). They were published in editions of the ‘Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain’ from 1612 to 1676. It was the first atlas of the whole British Isles. Speed was a tailor by trade and had a fascination for history. He used numerous sources for the counties and had the plates engraved by Jodocus Hondius in Amsterdam. The book took several years to prepare hence earlier dates appear on some. His maps are noted for being the first to include the boundaries of the hundreds, and for introducing town plans on the maps, here a detailed plan of Durham. Shirley BL T.Spe 1k; Skelton 92.