Old Map of Wales, Cymru by Christopher Saxton in 1580 - First Accurate Map of Wales
This one-of-a-kind map of Wales, compiled in 1580 by the father of British cartography Christopher Saxton, was the first accurate map of many parts of Wales.
Curiously the map was never published, but many parts of it were used in his larger map of England & Wales, which you can find here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/878286466/old-map-of-england-wales-1579-by-saxton
This map is exceedingly rare - just one copy exists - and is currently owned by the National Library of Wales.
Established in 1984, The Unique Maps Co. sources rare original maps from around the world, and then lovingly restores them at a workshop in London. I guarantee that you cannot buy prints of these old maps, at this high quality, anywhere else.
Most of Wales' most notable towns, villages and cities are already clearly visible in this old map - though some towns and counties had slightly different names back then, like Brecon used to be called Breknok, and Pembrokeshire used to be Penbrokshire.
Cardiff, Newport, Swansea, Denbigh, Carnarvon, Carmarthen, Bangor, Abergavenny, Hay on Wye - they're all here, along with their counties, rivers, villages, mountains and more. This is a wonderfully detailed map of Wales.
Rather cutely, instead of an attempt at drawing the relief and topography of Wales, there are instead smaller and larger brown lumps that represent hills and mountains.
This map would certainly make a nice birthday or Christmas or housewarming gift for anyone in Wales, or someone who has Wales close to their heart.
You can order the map itself, or you can order a framed version. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that really makes our maps pop out when on a wall. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame. We use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) in our frames - it's less reflective than glass and better for transport. There are also some very large sizes of this map available, which really look spectacular - if you have a big space to present the map, such as a hotel, office, bar, pub, or other big hospitality space that needs decorating.
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 and I'm a 5-star Etsy seller with 1000s of sales and reviews.
This is the cheapest place to buy my maps online.
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.
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.
Please note that framed maps larger than 100cm/40 inches take longer to make and delivery is usually within 10 working days. I will get in touch with you to discuss the specifics of delivery.
If you select the free worldwide shipping option, you can usually expect to receive your map around 5 working days after you order.
Coronavirus is still causing random delays and some maps can take longer to arrive. If you need your map to arrive in time for an important date, please contact me before you order and I'll do my best to get the map to you on time.
If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order will be sent by courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce) and will usually arrive in 2-3 working days. Please note that framed maps will usually take a little longer.
Customers in the US, Australia and Canada: Your map will be sent from a printer or framer in your country, which means you'll get your map sooner, you won't pay import duties, and we'll put less CO2 into the atmosphere. I have worked with some great printers and framers around the world for years - so don't worry, your map will still look amazing!
If you want a frame that's a specific colour or material, or want your map mounted/matted, please get in touch. I work with specialist framers around the world and have hundreds of framing options - so we should be able to find a frame that suits your decor/aesthetic.
Read more about how I can custom frame and mount/mat your old map.
Alternatively, I can also sell you an old map on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.
My standard frame is a black wood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 2cm (0.75in) 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 museum-grade 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... always get in touch!
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/190gsm. It's perfect for framing.
I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.
Please contact me if you're looking for a print on canvas or cotton rag.
Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps
Map personalisation
If you want to make your old map really unique, I am able to personalise your map with a short message, for example:
- "Happy birthday, Ben! From Mum & Dad"
- "To My Beloved. Let's Explore The World Together!"
This message will be added to the map in such a way that it looks just like a real part of the map.
Select the "Personalise Map" option above if you'd like to add map personalisation to your map.
Learn more about my map personalisation service.
Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.