William Birchynshaw’s Map of Exeter, 1743
Title Details

74 Pages

31.5 x 27 cm

35 b/w illus.

Series: Devon and Cornwall Record Society

Imprint: Devon and Cornwall Record Society

William Birchynshaw's Map of Exeter, 1743

Edited by Richard Oliver, Roger Kain and Todd Gray

  • Description
  • Contents
  • Author
  • Reviews
A major re-examination of the history of map-making in Exeter, following on from the recent discovery of a 'new' town map of the city in 1743

This major re-examination of the history of map-making in Exeter, the historic county town of Devon, follows from the recent discovery of a 'new' Georgian town map of the city. That map, by William Birchynshaw (a man not known tohave produced any other), is reproduced in facsimile, along with nearly two dozen other maps from 1587 through to 1949. They are prefaced by an introduction which places the new discovery within the context of four centuries of map-making, demonstrating how Birchynshaw owed a debt both to John Hooker's map of 1587 and to that by Ichabod Fairlove of 1709; and provides an overview of Exeter in 1743, showing that, although was city was basking in economic prosperity due to its cloth trade, it was also still largely confined within its ancient walls. The volume as a whole represents a significant reassessment of Exeter's history.

RICHARD OLIVER is a historian and has been a Research Fellow in the History of Cartography at the University of Exeter since 1989.

ROGER KAIN CBE is a Fellow of the British Academy and its Vice-President (Research and Higher Education Policy). He is Professor of Humanities in the School of Advanced Study, University of London and was previously its Dean and Chief Executive, 2010-17.

TODD GRAY MBE is an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Exeter and the author of more thana dozen books on Exeter.
Introduction
Seven Maps of Exeter
Exeter in 1743

TODD GRAY MBE is Research Fellow at the University of Exeter and the author or editor of a number of volumes on Exeter and Devon including William Birchynshaw's Map of Exeter, 1743 and The Chronicle of Exeter, 1205-1722.

"The large format of the volume is very welcome as it allows for the publication of images at an easy-to-view size. For those who recognise the value of maps and high quality research, of the sort found in this book, this volume is a must. The knowledge imparted by the three authors is invaluable."
"It is exciting to find out about a recent discovery, and this handsome book sites the map in question cartographically and historically, so that the reader gets a real sense of what it was like to live in the cityscape depicted. [...] there is far more to this book than the title suggests and it will be of interest beyond the borders of Devon's county town: to urban researchers, as well as to historians of cartography and of the Georgian era, and indeed to the general reader." ARCHIVES AND RECORDS
"The text throughout is readable, engaging and entertaining; the information absorbing and enlightening. [...] This is a marvellous and enjoyable guide." DEVON HISTORIAN
"A handsome volume, in a large format that enhances the reproduction of each map. [...] a well thought-out and produced volume." Imago Mundi

Hardcover

9780901853974

December 2019

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Title Details

74 Pages

3.15 x 2.7 cm

35 b/w illus.

Series: Devon and Cornwall Record Society

Imprint: Devon and Cornwall Record Society