‘SCOTLAND’S EARLIEST ROAD MAP’ (Fleet, Wilkes and Withers). The first state bore the imprint of both Robert Greene (fl.1673-88) and William Berry (1639-1718). Greene was apprenticed to John Garrett in 1652 and made free in 1659 just prior to the restoration of Charles II. His family appears to have come from Stallbridge, Dorset. His earliest publications were maps of England and Germany in 1673, published in association with the likes of Robert Morden, John Seller and Arthur Tooker. Indeed, many of the works which bear his name appear to involve partners. We also know that he was unusual in having his own ‘presse to Print’. At the time of his death in 1688 Robert Morden owed him 14s.9d. and William Berry 4s.9d. Berry was apprenticed to Joseph Moxon in 1656 and made free in 1664. His earliest cartographic work dates from 1672 but his is known mostly for his series of large two-sheet maps often collected into an untitled atlas during the 1680s.

This map was first advertised in the Term Catalogue in 1679. This is the second state bearing that of Greene only. According to Moir it was issued sometime before 1689 when it was advertised by his eldest sister Elizabeth. This is the EARLIEST MAP OF SCOTLAND AS A WHOLE TO SHOW THE ROADS. It was engraved by Francis Lamb. Greene was a mapseller, as opposed to a maker such as Berry, and could also supply a printing press to the relationship. The cartouche describes Greene’s shop as a place ‘Where you may have all sorts of Mapps’. This second state dates from before his death which was recorded 12 February 1688. As he was a widower the business was left to his son Nathan. Being underage the business was left in the care of his eldest sister Elizabeth. Provenance: from a William Berry atlas; private English collection since c.1975. Fleet, Wilkes and Withers (2011) p. 204; Moir (1973) vol. 1, p.173; Arber (1903-06) vol. I p. 359 & Vol. II p. 281; Tyacke (1978) p. 117.