In the the ‘General Advertiser’ for 15 May 1752 Thomas Bowles and John Bowles and Son announced as ‘just published’ a large four-sheet map of England and Wales. It is notable for being the first map of the countries to use accurate astronomical observations. The map is the work of Thomas Kitchin (1719-84) who, in preparing it, consulted detailed surveys of 18 English counties and most of Wales, ranging in date from the Symonson of Kent 1596, to Thomas Jefferys’ map of Staffordshire 1747. He also collected information from Members of the Royal Society who provided latitudes and longitude for about sixty places. It required careful observation of the moons of Jupiter with a top quality telescope to measure accurate longitude. Each location surveyed is underlined on the map. This map is a further large scale version which at the earliest so far identified was published by Robert Sayer.

The title refers to the addition of Canals ‘inserted to 1792’ by John Phillips (fl.1769-1804), the engraver. Legends for many are placed in boxes throughout the map identifying the inlets and canals and how far inland they are navigable. There is also a table inserted in the Irish Sea providing detail of length, and rise and fall of each. Kitchin is credited in the very decorative title cartouche. A ship is seen at anchor illustrating the country’s maritime and trading prowess. Shirley (2004) T.Lau-1a nos. 7 & 8; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).