An extremely rare prospect of Bristol

MILLERD, James.

The Citty of Bristoll.
Bristol: James Millerd, & London: John Overton & Thomas Wall, 1673. Two sheets conjoined, total 305 x 705mm.

Repaired tear.

An elevated prospect of Bristol from the south, with Aston and Clifton on the left horizon, the Royal Fort in the centre and Horsfield & Ashley on the right. The title is on a banderole in the centre, with the arms of two Earls of Bristol underneath, with space for a third. In the top corners are the arms of Charles II and his Queen, Catherine of Braganza, with the arms of the City of Bristol and the Society of the Merchants of Bristol underneath. In the bottom corners are two verses in Latin, keys of Churches and other landmarks. Along the bottom is an advert for Millerd's four-sheet map of Bristol. Just above that is an oddity: a dedication to the major and aldermen of the city has had curtains engraved over the top, probably because Millerd did not receive the civic recognition he felt was his due. The example in the Bristol Museums Galleries has the same feature.
Millerd's three works were first published between 1670 and 1677, the other two being maps of Bristol. He is also recorded as being a mercer and a 'Guardian of the Poor', appointed to administer the poor laws in the city.

WORMS & BAYNTON-WILLIAMS: British Map Engravers, p. 450.
Stock ID : 16868