In 1752 Thomas Bowles and John Bowles and Son first published this large 4 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. It was engraved by Kitchin and although undated was described as being ‘just published’ in the ‘General Advertiser’ 15 May 1752. With an ornate title cartouche standing out. This second state is a separate publication by John and Carington Bowles. A ship is seen at anchor illustrating the country’s maritime and trading prowess. A legend placed in Scotland points out the accuracy of the map. John and Carington Bowles, father and son, worked together from 1752-63. This map is dated to 1760 by some authorities but I have been unable to determine where this originates as the map is undated. The map is engraved by Anthony Walker (1726-65). Provenance: bookplate of Sir Henry Wilson affixed to slipcase; private English collection. Hodson (1984-97) II p. 109; Worms & Baynton-Williams (2011).