c1677 "THE MAP OF OXFORDSHIRE"

Beautifully embellished map of the county of Oxfordshire engraved by Michael Burghers for Robert Plot’s “The Natural History of Oxfordshire” published in 1677, a work that contained descriptions and images of fossils found in the county including the first known illustration of a dinosaur bone. The defining characteristic of the map is the extensive decoration of the borders and cartouches with 178 coats of arms of the colleges of Oxford University, noblemen and clergy. Also included is a key explaining the symbols used to identify various types of locations on the map. Overall size approx 51.5 x 56.5cm including the margins. Condition is excellent with the original folds, as issued.