About the Map
‘THE COUNTIE PALLATINE OFLANCASTER DESCRIBED AND DIVIDED INTO HUNDREDS 1610’ by John Speed c.1676 edition. John Speed's highly decorative double-page engraved map of Lancaster.
The map features the portraits of Henry IIII, Henry V, Henry VI, and Henry VII under the heading "Blessed are the Peace-Makers." It also shows Edward IIII, Edward V, Richard III, and Elisabeth of York.
The upper right corner has an inset map of the town of Lancaster with the Castle of Lancaster.
This is one of the most sought after Speed maps partly due to its left and right panels displaying the portraits of all the kings of the houses of Lancaster and York, respectively. They played a key role in the War of Roses, which took place in the 2nd half of the 15th century. The House of York was represented by a white rose and the House of Lancaster by a red rose.
About John Speed
John Speed is almost certainly the most famous of all English map-makers. He was the author of the most important and prestigious atlas of his day, and his maps still find favour today with collectors from all over the world. Speed is best known today for two atlases, the Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine, published in 1612, and the Prospect of the Most Famous Parts of the World, published in 1627. The latter is attributed to Speed in the title, although it is not certain how large a contribution he actually made.. Thus, it is really on the Theatre that his contribution to English cartography must be judged.(quoted from map forum.com)