King Henry's Map of the British Isles

King Henry's Map of the British Isles

This splendid map from the year 1537 presents the realm of Henry VIII of England (1491–1547). It hung in Hampton Court Palace, the King’s favorite residence, and continuously presented his British empire to the monarch. The map titled Titel Angliae Figura was a gift from the archdeacon of Rochester to Henry VIII. The British Isles are presented in gorgeous form, from Southern England across Wales to Ireland and up to Scotland. In this way, the spirit of the 16th century under the reign of Henry VIII comes to life!

The Impressive Kingdom of Britain

The map with the shelf mark B.L. Cotton MS Augustus I.i.9 of the British Library in London is one of the greatest treasures of the collections. In this map of Henry VIII’s, the British Isles as a whole are depicted in detail. From the south of England over Wales and Ireland and up to the northern-most islands of Scotland, the entire region of the British Isles is represented. Additionally, Northern France is also depicted. This is a sign that the map not only showed geographic conditions, but also the Kingdom of England as Henry saw it.

A Modern Map of the 16th Century

Ireland and Scotland are drawn in a yellow tone, England on the other hand is white and furnished with a multitude of place names – 633 in all. Alongside the names of places and provinces in red and black, numerous rivers, bodies of water, and islands off the coasts are recorded. The map is made according to the most modern state of cartography at the time. A compass establishes the scale, and a schedule of coordinates is found on all four margins of the page. The title of the map is listed in a splendidly decorated cartouche on the upper right margin: Angliae Figura.

A Gift for the Famous King

This parchment map measuring 64 x 46 cm, made in England during the years 1536/7, originated from the commission of the archdeacon of Rochester, who presented the map to the English King as a New Year’s gift for the year 1537. The map was of great significance for Henry VIII and was probably viewed and admired by him countless times. His entire realm is shown here in the most realistic depiction of the British Isles of that time. The walls of Hampton Court Palace, the favorite residence of Henry VIII, were adorned with this permanent reference to the power of the King!