Coloured map of Hampshire from the first edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by John Sudbury and George Humble in 1611. Considered to be one of the most decorative maps of the county, it also takes in the northern part of the Isle of Wight. The map contains a narrative description of the 12th century civil war battles fought between Queen Matilda (Empress Maud) and King Stephen for the English crown, a plan of the town of Winchester and the arms of the noble families of the county. A description of the county appears on the verso in English. Other than a tiny pinhole in the image, the map is a beautifully coloured, strong dark impression on heavy, stable paper in excellent condition. 38 cm x 51 cm