Coloured map of Hampshire from an early edition of John Speed’s “Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain” published by George Humble. Considered to be one of the most decorative maps of the county, it also contains 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. The map is a beautifully coloured, strong dark impression on heavy, stable paper in excellent condition. 38 cm x 51.5 cm