IRE100 - A New Map of Ireland, Civil and Ecclesiastical
This stunning and historical map shows 18th Century Ireland from not just a topographic perspective but also with an Ecclesiastical focus. It is made in nine sections, and is mounted on linen for the convenience of travel.
- 1792
- The Reverand D. A. Beaufort. L.L.D.
- h46.5" x w39"
- P
The magnificent dedication on the bottom right of the map reads; 'To His Majesty King George the Third, The Patron and Promoter of every useful science, This map is by His Majesty's gracious permission, most humbly and respectfully dedicated by the Author.' So, no toadying here then!
Up in the opposite corner there is a magnificent title cartouche engraved by S.I Neele which, not-surpingly, depicts Cherubs representing the Church, Agriculture, Trade and of course a tribute to the King with portrait of George III himself.
The engraver or sculptor of the map was S. I. Neele and it was 'Published as the Act directs March 1st, 1792 by Wm. Faden, Geographer to the King. This edition of the map is a first edition. It was later released with had accompanying memoir of the ecclesiastical state of the country:'Memoir of a map of Ireland; illustrating the topography of that Kingdom, and containing a short account of its present state, civil and ecclesiastical; with a complete index to the map. By Daniel Augustus Beaufort'[1]
In the accompanying memoir every place, every church and every rectory marked on the map was systematically indexed and assigned to their respective parishes, baronies, &c.
(Dr) Beaufort was the son of the Rector of Navan and he educated at Trinity College, Dublin. Once he had joined the church himself he took a prominent part in the foundation of Sunday schools and in the preparation of elementary educational works. He was also a member of the The Royal Irish Academy.
The map presented here has been hand coloured over the engraving to highlight the counties, along with all water. Of interest further interest is Beaufort - or Steele's - inclusion of relative latitudinal and longitudinal cities, towns and places around the border of the map.
Quite simply, the detail included on the map, especially the number of church properties marked, is impressive to say the least.
[1] Beaufort's memoir is readily available to read here (click here).
- A New Map of Ireland, Civil and Ecclesiastical
