The Hereford Map, made in the late 13th century, is one of the most fascinating and valuable maps of the Middle Ages. Housed in Hereford Cathedral, it is included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register and is a unique testimony to the medieval perception of the world, combining geography, theology and mythology. In this article, we will explore the story of its creator and the particularities of this monumental work, as well as the countless details that make it such an exceptional antique world map.
Richard of Haldingham: The Genius Behind the Hereford World Map
Richard of Haldingham, also known as Richard of Bello, is credited with creating the Hereford Mappa Mundi. Born around 1245, he is believed to have been a cleric at Lincoln Cathedral before contributing to the creation of this exceptional work in Hereford. An inscription on the map attests to his role:
"Let all who hear this story, read it or see it, pray to Jesus, in his divinity, for the salvation of Richard of Haldingham and Lafford, who conceived and brought it to fruition."
His work is not limited to a simple geographical map; it reflects a spiritual vision of the world, merging biblical stories, ancient myths and medieval geographical knowledge. The orientation of the map, with the east at the top, places Jerusalem at its centre, a symbolic configuration common in Christian mappa mundi of the period.
The Hereford World Map: Reading and Production
This very old world map is made on vellum, a precious parchment made from calfskin, and measures 158 cm high by 133 cm wide. It is the largest mappa mundi, a world map made in Europe in the Middle Ages, still intact since the destruction of the Ebstorf map during the Second World War. It was probably created for educational and spiritual purposes, in order to instruct the faithful on sacred geography and the mysteries of the world.
The map follows the classic model of "T" maps (Orbis Terrarum), where the world is divided into three continents:
• Asia, located at the top, houses the earthly paradise with Adam, Eve and the serpent.
• Europe, on the left, groups together the main medieval cities.
• Africa, on the right, is adorned with mythical creatures.
At the center of the map is Jerusalem, symbol of the spiritual heart of the Christian world. The margins of the map, meanwhile, are populated with monsters and legends, reflecting the limits of the known world and the medieval imagination.
Its creation used advanced techniques for the time: the use of a compass to draw the circles, natural pigments for the illuminations and annotations in Latin, sometimes in Norman, to explain each place or scene. The meticulous organization of the map shows a combination of scientific rigor and religious symbolism.
The captivating details of the Hereford World Map
The richness of this antique world map lies in its many details, which bear witness to the vision of the world in the Middle Ages.
Religious iconography
The map is primarily a theological tool. Jerusalem is depicted with a crucifixion scene, while the earthly Paradise is located at its summit, surrounded by walls and gates. Biblical stories are omnipresent:
• Sodom and Gomorrah sink into flaming waters.
• Noah's Ark is visible, with figures appearing through its windows.
• Moses' crossing of the Red Sea is also depicted.
Monsters and legendary creatures
The margins of the map are teeming with mythical creatures:
• Cynocephali (dog-headed men), sciopods (giant one-legged men) and dragons populate the unknown lands.
• The labyrinth of Daedalus in Crete is drawn with a central perforation, indicating the use of a compass.
Symbolic monuments
Babylon is depicted with the Tower of Babel, a symbol of human ambition. Jerusalem is also highlighted, with detailed depictions of its religious buildings. Rome is identifiable, as are Paris and other important cities of medieval Europe.
Conclusion: The Hereford World Map, a timeless work of medieval cartography
The Hereford World Map is a true masterpiece, embodying the fusion of faith, knowledge and art. Its importance extends far beyond its time, offering us today a window into how the Middle Ages perceived the world, its mysteries and its divine structure.
Visiting Hereford Cathedral to admire this antique world map allows you to delve into a world where science and theology coexisted harmoniously. An invitation to explore not only a map, but a universe of beliefs and symbols that continue to captivate historians, lovers of old maps and the curious.
In short, this exceptional work is much more than a simple geographical representation: it is a reflection on humanity, its quest for meaning and its desire to understand the world through the prism of faith and science.