Coloured map of the British Isles taken from the 1676 edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by Thomas Bassett and Richard Chiswell. This map, which was copied by Blaeu and Jansson for their atlases in the mid-17th century, shows Britain as it was divided under the Saxon kings. Certainly one of the most striking maps of the British Isles, the 14 vignettes running down the sides of the map depict Britain’s ancient Saxon kings and their conversion to Christianity. A description of the Saxon Heptarchy appears on the verso in English. This beautifully coloured map is in excellent condition. 38 cm x 51 cm