The chart presented here shows Barbadoes (Barbados) on a large scale. The author of the map, John William Norie, includes on the chart a detailed plan of Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown the capital. He also, stylistically, includes a view of North Point and Pelican Island down in the bottom left corner of the chart.
Norie marks on his map over 25 forts, approximately 20 of which are located on the West coast of the island. It is a clear reminder that the island, which had been in British control since about 1627, had for centuries been in a constant state of military readiness. He also depicts the land relief pictorially and he shows the major roads and settlements up and down the island.
Very much in the style of mapping at the time Norie also names the major house and landholders on the island by name. Meeting houses and churches also feature. The map does show some limited hydrographical information around the coastline such as soundings, sand banks, shoals, rocks and reefs. He even, down at South Point, urges caution with the inscription 'It is stated that the Light at South Point is exhibited, but we have no particulars'.
Overall, Norie manages to present quite a simple, yet attractive and interesting map of this important island. Norie's work revolved around his Navigation Warehouse in Leadenhall Street, London and his major work was 'The epitome of Practical Navigation' published in 1805. Charles Dickens refers to the Naval Warehouse in Dombey and Son.
John William Norie
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The chart presented here shows Barbadoes (Barbados) on a large scale. The author of the map, John William Norie, includes on the chart a detailed plan of Carlisle Bay and Bridgetown the capital. He also, stylistically, includes a view of North Point and Pelican Island down in the bottom left corner of the chart.
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