Art Resource - AR9111064

The Roy Map of Scotland

Map of post Jacobean Scotland in 1755, 10 years after the Battle of Culloden. The land of Culloden and Inverness, A very large and highly finished colored military survey of the kingdom of Scotland, exclusive of the islands, undertaken by order of William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, and executed by Lieutenant [afterwards Major-General] William Roy, and other officers, under the superintendence of Lieut.-Col. David Watson, Deputy Quarter-Master-General of the Forces, in the years 1747-1755 drawn on a scale of about two inches to a mile: it is divided into 38 compartments which are contained in eight cases: a small map is attached, marked with corresponding divisions, to serve as a key to the arrangement. The Roy Map of Scotland, c.1755 The military survey of Scotland was carried out in the wake of the 1745 Jacobite uprising and was intended to ensure there was no repetition. It is arguably the British Librarys greatest cartographic treasure. Various versions survive, all kept in the Library. None was ever published. This is a much reduced version of the vast original map. The survey of Scotland (1747-55) is usually attributed to William Roy, who would later found the Ordnance Survey. While he was probably responsible for the topographical detail and lettering, the marvellous hill depiction was the work of Paul Sandby, the father of English water colour art. Since no large-scale surveys were carried out in Scotland until the 19th century, the Roy Map remains invaluable for historical and genealogical research. [William Roy. A finished reduction of the military survey of Scotland. MS. c.1755]. Illustrated by Roy Sr William.

Location British Library/London/Great Britain

Unique Identifier AR9111064

Type Image

Purpose Public

Size 4382px × 6782px

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