The Continuation of the Road from Bristol to Chester, Commencing at Ludlow — John Ogilby, 1675

The Continuation of the Road from Bristol to Chester, Commencing at Ludlow — John Ogilby, 1675. This strip map, Plate 57 from Ogilby’s celebrated Britannia, depicts the road north from Ludlow to Chester in meticulous detail, reflecting the state of travel and topography in 17th-century England. Ogilby’s work was the first comprehensive survey of Britain’s roads, combining precise measurement, careful engraving, and practical utility for travelers.

The map shows towns, villages, rivers, bridges, and key landmarks along the route, with distances clearly indicated. Relief is suggested through hachures, while cartographic symbols denote churches, castles, and other points of interest. A notable feature is the dedication “Humbly Inscrib’d to the Honourable Humphry Walcot, Esq.”, a typical expression of respect to a patron without implying authorship.

Engraved on high-quality paper, this example demonstrates Ogilby’s characteristic clarity and elegance, combining functional accuracy with aesthetic appeal. The Plate 57 marking appears in the bottom right corner, confirming its place within the Britannia series.

Collectors and historians value this map for its historical and cartographic significance, illustrating both the physical landscape and early modern road infrastructure. It remains a vital record of 17th-century travel and a prime example of Ogilby’s pioneering work in British cartography.