A lot of two maps of Westmorland, a historic county in northern England now administered by Cumbria.

A. A Mapp of ye Countie of Westmorland, by Richard Blome, from Britannia, circa 1673, black and white (9.8 x 12.5"). This map includes a strapwork title cartouche and a drape-style cartouche dedicating the map to Sir John Lowther of Lowther Hall. Richard Blome is one of the most interesting figures in cartographic history. He is most renowned for what his contemporaries considered the plagiarism of the maps in the Britannia from Camden and Speed. In actuality Blome did not claim that the maps were original works and the atlas filled an important gap in the market. In the preface he wrote, "I do not own myself the Author, but the Undertaker of this work". He was one of the most active publishers of illustrated books in post-Restoration London and his career provides in insight into the nature and activities of the London map and print trade of the period. There is an excellent biography on MapForum.com MapForum.com. Condition: Watermarked paper with light toning and soiling and a short tear that just enters neatline at left that has been closed on verso with archival tape.

B. Westmorland, by Herman Moll, circa 1725, hand color (10.1 x 7.8"). A small map of the county showing towns, roads, and political boundaries. Condition: Light soiling and backed in linen.

References:

Condition: B+

See description above.