Antique Hobson Fox Hunting Map of Hertfordshire, Puckeridge Hunt, circa 1870

About this sheet

Four hunt countries are colored by hand across this antique fox hunting map of Hertfordshire, engraved by J. and C. Walker for Hobson's Fox-Hunting Atlas circa 1870. Cambridgeshire, in pink, spills down from the north-east corner; Puckeridge, in green, covers the eastern half toward Hertford and Bishop's Stortford; Mr Brand's country, the largest, is lettered in bold blue capitals across the center from Hitchin down to Saint Albans; and Baron Rothschild's country, in orange, occupies the western corner toward Tring and the Buckinghamshire border. The county's position immediately north of London shows in the density of roads and railway lines converging on the southern edge toward Watford and Barnet.

The reference table at upper left keys the eight hundreds, with a short list of the boroughs beneath it, Hertford and Saint Albans, each returning two members, and the polling places for the county election at lower right. The cartouche above the reference table gives the county name, "By J. & C. Walker," and the scale bar, and the plate is numbered 16.

William Colling Hobson compiled the atlas, J. and C. Walker engraved its maps on steel, and Longman and Company of Paternoster Row, London, published it, first around 1850 and in reissues running into the 1870s. Hobson's Fox-Hunting Atlas records the boundaries of the hunt countries in hand color and marks the places of meeting of the foxhounds; this sheet comes from the edition of circa 1870, with its boundaries in original outline hand color. Countries run largely by named private masters, Mr Brand and Baron Rothschild, rather than by subscription hunts are characteristic of the home counties' pattern of gentleman-owned packs within easy reach of London.

As an original atlas sheet, suitable for framing, this antique fox hunting map of Hertfordshire makes a fine piece for a hunting family, a collector of the county or anyone with ties to the place.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with age toning, stronger towards the edges, a central fold and a few small spots in the margins. Please review the images for further condition details.

This is an original antique map, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.