Berkshire Maps

15x15 cm

A Map of BERKSHIRE. West from London.
T. Badeslade delin. W.H.Toms Sculpt
Publish'd by the Proprietor W H Toms Sept.29.1742.
Published in Chorographia Britanniae, a small and succesful pocket atlas, from 1742 to 1749. The maps are engraved by William Henry Toms who claims to be the sole proprietor of the work. It is likely however, that Thomas Badeslade was an early partner responsible for the preparation of the maps, his name appearing on the first title page and on the imprints of the maps. If the claim on the title page that the maps were prepared for George I is to be believed, they were drawn between 1724 and 1727 since the maps are based on those of Herman Moll of 1724. 
The first state of the maps appeared with few place names marked but they quickly amended with the addition of more places.
Good hand coloured example from the third state of the plate published between 1742 and 1749. Contemporary manuscript dip pen title verso; Berkshire.