St. Georges Channel and the Irish Sea, 1744

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The map was engraved by Richard William Seale, a notable British engraver. This map is a fine example of 18th-century … Read more The map was engraved by Richard William Seale, a notable British engraver. This map is a fine example of 18th-century cartography, particularly focused on maritime navigation. The map is titled "A Correct Chart of St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea," and it appears to be a historical nautical chart. Here are the key details and features of the map: The map covers the region of the Irish Sea, including the coasts of Ireland, Wales, and parts of Scotland and England. The map highlights the provinces of Connaught, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster, with detailed markings of coastal towns and geographical features. Regarding regions in Great Britain, it includes parts of North Wales, South Wales, and the western coast of England, as well as part of Scotland. The map features a compass rose in the Irish Sea, indicating directions for navigation. Lines radiating from the compass rose suggest bearings or routes commonly used by ships. Various towns, cities, and geographical features like rivers and headlands are labeled along the coasts. The title cartouche is ornately decorated, typical of the artistic style of historical maps. The map was likely used for maritime navigation and would have been a valuable resource for sailors navigating St. George's Channel and the Irish Sea during the period it was created. The detailed labeling of coastal features and towns would have helped in accurate navigation and charting courses between ports. Richard William Seale (d. 1785, fl. 1732-1772) was a well-known engraver and draughtsman based in London. His work frequently appeared in various publications of the 18th century. Some notable aspects of his career include: - **Contribution to Tindal’s Continuation of "Rapin's History of England"**: This significant work, spanning 1744-1777, included maps depicting military actions during the War of the Spanish Succession, especially in the Low Countries and Spain. It also featured contemporary maps of the British Isles and parts of the wider world. - **Work in Periodicals**: Seale contributed to various periodicals of the time, such as the “London Magazine” and the “Universal Magazine.” - **Books and Atlases**: Besides periodicals, he also worked on a wide range of other books, magazines, and atlases, reflecting his versatility and prominence as an engraver. The map is published by Mount and Page on January 1, 1780, likely benefited from Seale's expertise in cartography and engraving, making it a valuable piece of historical cartographic work. See less