The verso of the map translated from Latin into modern English
London, a very ancient city in the county of Middlesex, situated in the most fertile and healthy part of England, lies upon the River Thames, about ten miles from the sea, at latitude 52° and longitude 16°. Its founder is believed to have been Brutus, leader of the Trojans, who, after the fall of Troy, sailed into Britain, drove out the giants who then inhabited the land, and built a city which he called New Troy. Over time, by corruption of the name, it came to be called Trinovantum, and finally London.
Julius Caesar, when he invaded Britain, found this city already established and flourishing. Later, when the Romans occupied Britain, they strongly fortified it and adorned it with buildings, so that it became celebrated for its wealth, commerce, and greatness. From then on, it remained under Roman power until the Saxons, having crossed from Germany, seized Britain and expelled the Romans.
The Saxons then held London and named it Lundenwic. After many years, the Danes wasted it with fire and sword until at last King Alfred restored and fortified it. In later times, the Normans, after their conquest of England, again strengthened and embellished the city.
London has always been considered the capital and most famous city of the kingdom, not only for the size of its population, the abundance of merchants, and the riches brought from all parts of the world, but also because it is the seat of the kings, the courts of justice, and the center of trade. Its port on the Thames is constantly filled with ships arriving from France, Flanders, Holland, Germany, Spain, Italy, and even from far-off countries. There is nothing in the world so desirable, so rare, or so costly that cannot be found in London.
In religion and piety, it has many notable churches and a very splendid cathedral dedicated to St. Paul, founded, as is believed, by King Lucius, the first Christian king of the Britons. It has been rebuilt with great magnificence in later times, and the bishop of London is counted among the chief prelates of the realm.
Thus, London shines as the chief city of Britain, rich, populous, and noble, celebrated for its antiquity, its commerce, and its dignity.