Old Port of Heraklion Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Candia, Crete, Suda Bay, Mediterranean

The Port of Candia, Candia Island: A Cartographic Gem from William Heather's 1802 Nautical Collection

Embark on a historical voyage with "The Port of Candia, in Candia Island," a distinguished nautical chart crafted by the esteemed mapmaker William Heather in 1802. This chart is not merely a navigational aid but a piece of art, finely engraved and rich in detail, showcasing Heather's pioneering approach to English maritime cartography. The map prominently features the strategic port of Candia (modern-day Heraklion) on the island of Crete, set against the broader canvas of the Mediterranean Sea. This chart is a part of Heather's seminal work, The New Mediterranean Pilot, marking a significant English contribution to nautical charting, a field previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers.

Navigational Precision and Artistic Mastery

Heather's chart of Candia stands out for its meticulous attention to the delineation of coastal lines, harbors, and maritime landmarks. The towns of Candia, Suda, and Facia are clearly marked, providing not only a tool for navigation but also a snapshot of urban centers in the early 19th century Crete. The bays of Candia and Suda, along with the Cape of Spada, are depicted with precision, serving as crucial reference points for mariners. This level of detail is a testament to the advancements in English engraving techniques, notably executed by John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns this chart.

A Rare Insight into Mediterranean Maritime History

This chart is more than a navigational aid; it is a window into the geopolitical and economic landscapes of the Mediterranean region during a tumultuous period in European history. The inclusion of the islands of St. Theodore and Dia, along with the Gulf of Candia and the broader Cretan Sea, provides a comprehensive view of the maritime routes that were critical for trade and military endeavors. The map’s historical value is amplified by its rarity, as charts from Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot are seldom seen on the market today, making this a prized collector's item.

The Broader Context of Heather's Cartographic Innovations

William Heather's contribution to nautical charting was groundbreaking in that it introduced English mariners to a genre that was well-established in other parts of Europe but relatively underdeveloped in England until the early 19th century. Heather's work was instrumental in setting new standards for accuracy and detail in English maritime maps, influenced by, yet distinct from, his continental counterparts. This chart of Candia exemplifies Heather's commitment to enhancing the utility and aesthetics of nautical charts, ensuring that each piece served both practical and educational purposes.

A Collector’s Delight and a Scholar’s Treasure

For collectors of rare maps and maritime history enthusiasts, "The Port of Candia, in Candia Island" offers an unparalleled acquisition opportunity. Its scarcity and the excellence of its execution make it a focal point for any collection. Additionally, scholars studying the evolution of cartographic techniques or the history of Mediterranean maritime activities will find this chart an invaluable resource. Owning this map is not just about possessing a piece of history—it's about embracing a story of maritime adventure, cartographic progress, and the timeless allure of the Mediterranean world.

Notable Places on This Map

• Candia (Heraklion)
• Suda
• Facia
• Cape of Spada
• Islands of St. Theodore and Dia
• Gulf of Candia
• Cretan Sea
• Mediterranean Sea

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed depiction of the coastline and navigational aids
• Finely engraved chart, showcasing the port and surrounding maritime area
• Shows strategic maritime routes and urban centers of the early 19th century Crete

Historical and Design Context

• Part of William Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot, the first English collection of Mediterranean ports
• Published in 1802 by William Heather in London
• Notable for its high-quality engraving compared to earlier French and Italian versions
• Represents an important development in the history of English nautical charts
• Rare chart, seldom seen on the market, enhancing its value as a collector's item

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.