The Gough Map, held at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, is a major work of medieval British cartography. Dated to around 1360, it is the earliest known map to accurately depict the roads and coastlines of Britain. A historical treasure, this antique map of England offers a unique insight into 14th-century geography and culture. In this article, we will explore in depth the history of the Gough Map, the details of its design, and the many fascinating things it reveals.
The exceptional story of the Gough Map
The Gough Map is named after Richard Gough, an 18th-century British antiquarian. He acquired the map in 1774 at auction for the modest sum of two shillings and sixpence. In 1809, he donated it to the Bodleian Library in Oxford, where it is now preserved.
Scholars date its creation to around 1360, although some evidence suggests that information on the map may date back to 1280. Changes in place names and modifications made over time indicate an evolutionary process, where the map would have been enriched and updated over the decades.
A key detail in dating the map is the mention of Coventry's city walls, built in 1355, and the name changes of some towns, such as Sheppey, which became Queenborough in 1366. These temporal markers provide a valuable insight into medieval England.
Gough's Map Design: A Technical Masterpiece
Gough's map measures approximately 115 cm wide by 56 cm high. It is made on two pieces of sheepskin parchment, originally sewn together with visible stitches. This method of sewing sometimes interrupts the application of the green paint representing the seas, indicating that the pieces were assembled before painting. Today, the pieces are simply glued together.
The map's orientation places east at the top, as with many medieval maps. Cities are shown in colored vignettes, often topped with red roofs, while roads connecting these cities are drawn in red lines with Roman numerals indicating distances. This feature was innovative for its time and made the map particularly useful for merchants, pilgrims, and travelers.
Among the most notable features, the City of London stands out for its level of detail: its blue roofs, round windows and golden spires testify to its importance as a political and economic center of medieval England.
The rivers, painted green, appear disproportionate to emphasize their importance as transportation routes and essential natural resources. The care given to the topographical and architectural elements illustrates a desire to create a work that is both aesthetic and functional.
The fascinating elements of the Gough map
The richness of Gough's map lies in its many details, which reveal geographical, cultural and historical aspects of medieval England.
Roads and distances
The map is the first to show a clear road network. The red lines connecting towns indicate the main roads used at the time, accompanied by Roman numerals indicating distances. These roads, essential for trade and pilgrimages, show how this antique map of England was above all a practical tool.
Towns and villages
Each city is represented by a colored vignette. Large cities like London, York or Oxford are distinguished by more elaborate details. In London, the blue roofs and golden spires symbolize the wealth and importance of the capital.
Rivers and seas
Rivers and seas are painted in varying shades of green, creating a visual contrast with the rest of the map. However, the region north of Hadrian's Wall is less detailed, using lighter ink that gives this area an unfinished appearance. This difference may reflect a lack of knowledge or lesser interest in these remote territories.
Symbolic elements
The map also includes symbolic elements, such as depictions of islands and fishermen, although some of these lack precise outlines. These details reinforce the idea that the map served as much to illustrate a global view of England as to provide practical information.
Why is the Gough Map a historical treasure?
The Gough Map is more than just a cartographic document. It is a window into the 14th century, reflecting how people at the time viewed their world.
Its importance lies in several aspects:
• It is the first antique map of England to show a detailed road network.
• It combines practical elements, such as distances and routes, with artistic aspects, such as colored vignettes and topographical representations.
• It bears witness to the wealth of medieval knowledge of geography, while reflecting the limitations of this knowledge in certain regions, such as the north of Scotland.
Housed at the Bodleian Library in Oxford, the map has undergone painstaking restoration to preserve its unique details. It is also available online through an interactive version, allowing the public to explore this treasure from anywhere in the world.
Conclusion: The Gough Map, a Timeless Legacy
The Gough Map is a masterpiece of medieval cartography, both practical and artistic. As an antique map of England, it offers a unique insight into the history, geography and infrastructure of Britain in the 14th century.
For fans of cartography and history, this map is an invaluable source of knowledge. It is a testament to the genius of medieval cartographers, who were able to combine art, science and observation to create a work that continues to fascinate centuries later.