A Map of Surrey, c.1787, hand-coloured

A Map of Surrey, c.1787, hand-coloured

This late 18th-century map, c.1787, presents the county of Surrey in detail, highlighting its political and economic structure during the period. The map notes that the county “contains 6 boroughs and 8 market towns”, providing insight into its administrative and commercial organization.

Produced as a hand-coloured engraved plate, the map employs colour washes to distinguish parishes, borough boundaries, and significant roads, enhancing both visual clarity and decorative appeal. Rivers, hills, and other natural features are finely delineated, while towns and villages are carefully marked, reflecting the precision of late Georgian cartography.

Intended for both reference and display, this map would have been useful for local administration, landowners, and general study, exemplifying the growing popularity of county mapping in 18th-century England. The combination of functional geographic information and aesthetic presentation makes it an important historical artifact.

This map captures Surrey’s landscape, settlements, and administrative divisions before the transformative effects of the 19th century, providing a valuable snapshot of the county in the Georgian era.