A Map of the Diocesse of Canterbury by Emanuel Bowen. Very rare 1725 old

£1,580

SKU: P-8-005570

A Map of the Diocesse of Canterbury [Dedication] To the most Reverend Father in God, William by divine providence Lord Arch-Bishop of Canterbury, this map of his Grace's Diocesse is humbly dedicated by his unworthy clerk, I.L


This extremely rare early 18th-century map of the Diocese of Canterbury, engraved by Emanuel Bowen, presents the ecclesiastical layout of the region in meticulous detail. Symbols identify Deanery towns, Rectories, Vicarages, Curacies, Chapels, and disused churches, with a numbered and lettered grid organizing the map. Derived from a 1721 map by John Lewis—of which only one known copy exists at Lambeth Palace—this map features a dedication to William Wake, then Archbishop of Canterbury by Lewis. Bowen, one of the most significant English cartographers of the period, produced this map early in his career. The map was offered for sale by R. Wilkin, who is not listed in Tooley. Only one institutional copy, held at the British Library, is known to exist, and we can find no record of this map ever having appeared at auction, underscoring its rarity.

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Size 46 x 45 cm | 18.0 x 17.5 inches

Date Published: 1725

Type: Early 18th century copperplate map with old hand colour

Author: Bowen, Emanuel

Publication: Richard Wilkin

Sold by Richard Wilkin at ye King's Head in St. Paul's Churchyard

Condition: Good |

Good; suitable for framing. The margins have been neatly extended verso. Three of the four corners have been restored. Old fold. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

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Returns

We accept returns for any reason if sent back to us within 14 days of receipt of your order. If any of your items are not as described, we will provide a full refund including reasonable return postage costs upon safe return to us. If you have changed your mind, you are responsible for the cost of returning the item to us. We describe the size, age and condition of all our products as fully and accurately as possible. Most of the items which we sell are in very good condition. However, the condition of antique and vintage prints and maps can vary. All of our product listings including a statement which classifies the condition as being either “Good”, “Fair”, or (rarely) “Poor” and which describes any material flaws, blemishes, imperfections or other significant features such as folds. Please read the description carefully before purchase.

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Condition Guide

We assess the condition of each item using three categories: Good, Fair, and Poor. We strive to ensure that any significant flaws are clearly shown in the images provided and detailed in the accompanying condition statement.

Good

The item presents well, with no significant flaws, and is in frameable condition. Minor imperfections—such as light spotting or offsetting, small blemishes, tight margins, neatly repaired tears, or discreet/professionally executed restoration—do not materially detract from its overall appearance.

Fair

The item shows noticeable flaws but remains in frameable condition. Some buyers may feel these imperfections affect its visual appeal. Typical issues may include more prominent spotting, blemishes, bleed-through from the reverse, obvious offsetting, visible or extensive restoration, wear along fold lines or junctures, small wormholes, trimmed or closely cropped edges, or less carefully executed repairs.

Poor

The item has major flaws that significantly impact its presentation and/or suitability for framing. These may include heavy spotting, staining, bleed-through, offsetting, unrepaired damage, or poorly executed repairs such as tears, holes, or areas of paper loss (including within the printed image). The item may also be fragile and prone to further deterioration.