A superb example of an attractive map of England and Wales heightened in gold. Although the map is undated, Shirley speculates that it was issued at around the time of the crowning of William and Mary as they are featured in the ornate title cartouche designed by Philip Tiedman and engraved by Gelliam van den Gouwen. Although Shirley identifies two known states, four are now known, this example is that recorded by Shirley as first state, but is in fact state two. The Gerred de Broen imprint is erased.

Carol Allard (1648-1709) was the son of Hugo Allard (1625-91), also a cartographer in Amsterdam. He took over the business of his father upon his death. By 1706 he had transferred ownership to his own son, Abraham (1676-c.1730). In 1708 a wholesale auction of the stock took place. Carol Allard is mainly known for selling the works of others although some of his own were published such as this. He never received a privilege from the authorities and was often in trouble with the Guild. In one instance for selling ‘obscene and scurrilous prints and drawings’. This is an original work by Allard which Koeman states ‘are very decorative, well-composed and up-to-date. They surpass the then obsolete maps by Blaeu and Janssonius’. Koeman (1967-70) I Al.5; Shirley (1988) Allard 3.1.