10/26/2026
This map of Merionethshire, Wales, has two delightful map monsters and a mermaid- what could be better?
1612-1627 - Merionethshire. Described 1610. - Antique Map
Merionethshire was one of the thirteen counties of Wales that existed from 1536 until their abolition in 1974. It was located in North West Wales. The main towns and villages were Dolgellau (former county town, and administrative centre), Aberdyfi, Bala, Barmouth, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Corwen, Ffestiniog, Harlech, and Tywyn.
Antique hand colored map of Merionethshire, Wales, published by John Speed. This map is from one of the earlier editions of Speed's renowned "Theatre Of The Empire Of Great Britain". Speed's county maps were, and remain, amongst the most popular and sought-after because of the decorative and informative content. Most have the arms of local dignitaries and town plans, in many cases the first of those locations and surveyed by Speed himself. For this atlas, Speed had prepared the maps for engraving before 1610, and they appeared in the first atlas two years later. Inset map of Harlech. Also features a decorative cartouche, decorative distance scale, and a decorative compass rose. "Performed by John Speed and are to be sold in Popes head alley against the exchange by George Humbell." Two fish-like sea monsters lurk in the water and a mermaid lounges in the inset map.
