Drayton's map of Dorset and Hampshire, 1612

Drayton's map of Dorset and Hampshire, 1612

A hand coloured copper plate engraving showing a fantastical map of Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The rivers are de depicted corated with goddesses and allegorical figures for forests and islands. It is an interesting document of its time, containing numerous classic allusions reminiscent of contemporary poetry and masques.

This map was produced by Michael Drayton, and engraved by William Hole, in about 1612. It was published for inclusion in 'Poly-Olbion, or Chorographical Description of all the Tracts, Rivers, Mountains, Forests and other parts of the Renowned Isle of Great Britain, by Michael Drayton.

KD1996.23