Speed's ornate title page elaborates on the architectural framework used by Abraham Ortelius in the Theatrum with its intricately decorated superstructure of pillars, pedestals, and columns. In the alcove above the title is an indigenous Briton taken from an engraving of a Pict by John White that was first published by Theodor de Bry in 1590. The four other figures in the niches represent the conquerors of Great Britain: Roman, Saxon, Danish, and Norman. Vignettes of London and a ship are located on the foundation along with the publisher's imprint.

References: Shirley (BL Atlases) T.SPE-1b; cf. Shirley (TP) #32.

Condition: B

There are archival repairs to several edge chips along the left and right borders with some minor loss of image. There are a few tiny holes in the upper portion of the image, a narrow right margin, and a bit of staining in the top right corner of the sheet.