The map includes illustrations of sailing ships, such as this one off the north coast of the county,

By Eric White

OUR ancient and varied county of Essex has often been represented in maps over the last few centuries.

Many of these maps are today looked after at the Essex Record Office, and have been brought together for the first time in a new book by map expert Peter Walker, Printed Maps of Essex from 1576.

The book is being launched with a special event at Saffron Walden Town Hall on Saturday 21st May.

The launch of Printed Maps of Essex from 1576 is free to attend and runs from 11am to 2pm.

At the event you can hear a talk by the author (at 11.30am), buy copies of the book and see some of the maps on display.

The maps to be displayed will include the earliest map of the county made by Christopher Saxton in 1576 (see pictures above and below).

Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Finance, Housing and Planning, said: “You can learn so much about a place by looking at how its maps have changed over the years.

“With the access he’s had to the Essex Record Office’s excellent collection of maps, Peter’s new book is sure to be very illuminating.”

Some images of Essex’s oldest map:

This part of the map shows Hatfield Forest, and it is enclosed, indicating it is likely to have been private land.

This map was made by Christopher Saxton (c.1540-c.1610) in 1576.