Beautifully coloured map of Cambridgeshire from the first edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by John Sudbury and George Humble. Considered to be one of the most sought after county maps in the Theatre, it is surely the most decorative map of Cambridgeshire. The map contains a plan of Cambridge with a key to 26 important locations in the town, two vignettes of scholars, coats of arms of the colleges of Cambridge University and local nobles. Also included is the royal coat of arms surrounded by a lion and unicorn astride the decorative strap-work title cartouche. A description of the county appears verso in Latin. Other than two tiny wormholes in the top margin, the map is a strong, dark impression with full margins on heavy stable paper in excellent condition. One of the finest examples available. 38.5 cm x 52.5 cm