This is one of the most recognisable of all the early maps of the British Isles. It was published by Abraham Ortelius in his ‘Theatrum Orbis Terrarum’ first published in 1570, the first modern atlas. This example was issued following some touching up to the engraving which occurred in 1579 and is therefore in its second state. The map is derived from Gerard Mercator’s eight sheet wall map of 1564. It is a beautifully designed plate with a nice balance between accurate cartographic information and ornate decoration. The map is orientated with north to the right and the Royal Coat of Arms are depicted upper left. Shirley speculates that the engraver was Frans Hogenberg. Van Den Broecke 16; Shirley British Isles no. 86.