Britannia Depicta
Britannia Depicta; or, Ogilby Improv’d, first published in 1720, was a compact and highly popular coaching road atlas of England and Wales, created by John Owen and illustrated with maps by the renowned engraver Emmanuel Bowen. Based on John Ogilby’s pioneering 1675 road atlas, Owen & Bowen adapted Ogilby’s strip-map format into a more portable, pocket-sized edition and added county maps and extensive historical and topographical notes. Bowen’s detailed engravings included both the road itineraries and decorative cartouches, often featuring coats of arms, population figures, and local curiosities. The fourth edition, published in 1753 by Thomas Bowles, print and map seller in St. Paul’s Churchyard, retained Bowen’s maps and Owen’s commentary but often reflected minor updates in road information and presentation. Thanks to its accessible format, engaging content, and visual appeal, Britannia Depicta remained in continuous demand throughout the 18th century and is now valued as both a historical reference and an example of early English cartographic artistry.
