A birds-eye view of the town of Canterbury from Francesco Valegio’s ‘Raccolta di Piu Illustri et Famose Citta di Tutto il Mondo’ published it is believed c.1595 in Venice. The image is drawn from that published only in 1588 in folio by Georg Braun & Frans Hogenberg in Cologne in the ‘Civitates Orbis Terrarum …’. The coats of arms, title cartouche, and figures are removed, instead concentrating on the plan itself. A panel of text is added along the bottom describes the murder of Thomas Becket in the Cathedral in 1170.

Valegio was born c.1560 and became an engraver and publisher. The images in this work are derived from earlier publications. A further edition entitled ‘Teatro delle piu illustri et famose citta del Mondo’ was published in Venice by Donato Rasciotti in 1600. Each example varies in content and binding this is one of only a six representing English towns. One of Edinburgh was also produced. Provenance: Clive A. Burden Ltd. Fordham (1965) ‘Town Plans of the British Isles’ p. 6 ill.; Phillips (1909-) 5390; Shirley BL T.Val 1a no. 263; Tooley’s Dictionary (1999-2004).