Historic County of Wessex: West Country, Hampshire & Berkshire by Sanson, 1654

Step into the captivating world of 17th-century cartography with Nicolas Sanson's exquisite map, "Provinces d'West, autrefois Royaume d'Westsex." This masterful creation from 1654 beautifully illustrates the historical region of Wessex, a significant area in the southwest of England. Sanson, a leading figure in French cartography, meticulously captured the essence of this ancient kingdom, which once encompassed the counties of Hampshire, including the Isle of Wight, Berkshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. His work not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a window into the rich tapestry of England's past.

Sanson's map is a testament to the artistry and precision of 17th-century mapmaking. The decorative cartouche, adorned with Baroque elements such as a cherub and flowing drapery, reflects the aesthetic sensibilities of the era. This attention to detail extends to the map's geographic features, where prominent rivers and intricately detailed coastlines with numerous bays and inlets highlight the importance of maritime activity in the region. Such features underscore the historical significance of Wessex as a hub of trade and exploration.

The map's depiction of cities and towns offers a fascinating glimpse into the urban landscape of the time. Key settlements like Southampton and Winchester in Hampshire, Exeter and Plymouth in Devon, and Truro in Cornwall are clearly marked, showcasing their prominence in the historical narrative of Wessex. These towns, along with others like Bath in Somerset and Dorchester in Dorset, were vital centers of commerce, culture, and governance, contributing to the area's dynamic history.

Beyond its urban centers, the map provides a detailed representation of the natural geography that defined Wessex. The careful delineation of rivers and coastlines speaks to the region's reliance on its waterways for transportation and trade. The map's focus on geographic boundaries and maritime routes illustrates the strategic importance of Wessex in the broader context of English history, serving as a bridge between the land and the sea.

Nicolas Sanson's work is more than just a map; it is a historical document that captures the essence of a bygone era. The "Provinces d'West, autrefois Royaume d'Westsex" offers collectors and history enthusiasts a unique opportunity to explore the legacy of the Kingdom of Wessex. Its blend of artistic elegance and geographical accuracy makes it a prized addition to any collection, inviting viewers to journey through time and discover the stories etched into the landscape of this storied region.

Cities and towns on this map

• Hampshire (including Isle of Wight)
• Southampton

• Winchester

• Berkshire

• Reading

• Devon

• Exeter

• Plymouth

• Cornwall

• Truro

• Somerset

• Bath

• Dorset

• Dorchester

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Prominent rivers
• Detailed coastlines with bays and inlets
• Decorative cartouche with Baroque elements
• Geographic boundaries of historical regions
• Maritime routes and channels

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Provinces d'West, autrefois Royaume d'Westsex
• Creation date: 1654
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Nicolas Sanson
• Historical geography: Represents the area once known as the Kingdom of Wessex.
• Maritime activity: Detailed coastline reflecting the importance of maritime trade.
• Design and style: Features a Baroque ornamental cartouche typical of 17th-century maps.
• Historical significance: An important Anglo-Saxon kingdom in the history of England.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 90in (230cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.