| Method | Copper engraved |
| Artist | Wood, Anthony |
| Published | Oxford, 1674 |
| Dimensions | Image 450 x 585 mm |
| Notes |
An early plan of Oxford with title cartouche and engraved key to the left side and bottom, that purports to show the military defences as they existed in 1648. Published in Historia et Antiquitates Universitatis Oxoniensis by Anthony Wood in Oxford 1674. The fortifications illustrated in this map were intended to be built during the English Civil War. During the war the Royalists withdrew from London to Oxford. Charles I based himself and his military in the city from October 1642. The King was at Christ Church and the Queen at Merton. The map represents a slight flight of fancy on someone's part and is typical of the graphical representations of fortified towns of the period. However the original draughtsman, likely Richard Rawlinson, certainly had knowledge of the works constructed around the city, as there are sufficient similarities for it not to be dismissed out of hand. The fortifications of ditch, rampart, palisade and gates with drawbridges were built from St. Giles'Church in the north to Folly Bridge in the south and from Magdalen Bridge in the east to St. Thomas's Church in the west. Barriers were built in the Thames, whose waters, as well as those of the Cherwell were made to flood the surrounding meadows. To expedite these works, in the summer of 1643 all members of the University between the ages of 16 and 60 were recruited as labourers for one day a week or fined. Anthony Wood (1632-1695) was an Oxford antiquarian, best known for his Historia, et antiquitates Universitatis Oxoniensis, published in 1674. Born in Oxford, and educated at Trinity College by his elder brother Edward, and later at Merton, he devoted the majority of his life to studying and researching the history of Oxford University and its colleges. His History, though flawed, has proven to be an invaluable source for later scholars of Oxford's history and was originally intended to include David Loggan's landmark engravings of the Colleges and Public Buildings of the University, which were published separately in 1675. Later in life, he published the Athenae Oxoniensis, a catalogue of the University's alumni. Condition: Horizontal and vertical folds as issued. Creasing to sheet. Repairs to folds on verso. Pin holes to top corners with rust stains. Small ink stain to left of central fold. Surface dirt and staining. Manuscript writing upper right corner "l. 1. 364". |
| Framing | mounted |
| Price | £675.00 |
| Stock ID | 53403 |