Old Panorama of London 1616 by Visscher

Originally published in Amsterdam in 1616 and entitled “Londinum Florentissima Britanniae Urbs Toto Orbe Celeberrimum Emporiumque,” this map displays a panoramic view of London at the start of the 17th century. The viewer stands on the south bank of the Thames River and looks over to a number of mansions on the opposite bank, including the old Somerset House, York House, the Old St. Paul’s Cathedral, London Bridge, the Tower of London, the medieval City of London and much more. It is thought that the Dutch cartographer probably never visited the city at all and, consequently, has misrepresented the Globe Theatre as octagonal, whereas evidence shows it was in fact a 20-sided building. A fascinating work, this map will make a perfect centrepiece on any wall.