Finely coloured map of Northamptonshire from the first edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by Sudbury & Humble. Inset are plans of the towns of Northampton and Peterborough together with the arms of the noble families of the county. A cartouche describes a battle that took place in 1469 involving King Edward IV. The the pages of an open book below the plan of Northampton describe its founding as well as three separate battles that brought ruin to the town. A description of the county appears on the verso in English. Other than some repairs and tears to margins, not affecting the image, the map is a beautifully coloured, strong impression with wide margins on heavy stable paper in excellent condition. 38.5 cm x 51 cm