This is the first map of the county of Bedfordshire. That by Christopher Saxton included the four neighbouring counties of Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, and Rutland. It is from the sixth edition of William Camden’s ‘Britannia’ first published in 1586. It was the last to be published in his lifetime and the first to be illustrated with county maps although this had been contemplated since at least 1589. This 1607 edition was published in Latin, ensuing editions were translated into English. Camden (1551-1623) was an antiquary and historian. An academic by profession he would become the headmaster of Westminster School in 1593. He spent much of his time travelling and collecting material for his highly respected ‘Britannia’. Chambers no. 5.ii; Chubb (1927) 18; Shirley (2004) T.Camd 1e; Skelton (1970) 5; Taylor (1968) pp. 9- 13; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).