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This is a later example of A True and Exact Draught of the Tower Liberties, which was published in 1742 by the Society of Antiquaries of London, which is in turn based on a detailed survey conducted in 1597 by Gulielmus (William) Haiward and J. Gascoyne. The plan provides a highly detailed depiction of the Tower of London complex, including its surrounding liberties, fortifications, and adjacent structures.
At the center of the plan is the Tower of London, with its inner and outer wards, various towers, and key buildings labeled for reference. The engraving meticulously documents the defensive walls, moats, and surrounding infrastructure, reflecting the strategic significance of the fortress. The Thames River is prominently depicted at the bottom, emphasizing the Tower's role as a key point of defense and control along the waterway.
A decorative cartouche in the upper left corner contains an inscription titled The Description of the Tower of London, referencing its buildings, the remains of the Royal Palace, and its outermost limits. The inscription attributes the original survey to Sir John Peyton, Knight, who served as Lieutenant of the Tower during the late 16th century. To the right, a numbered key lists The Several Towers, identifying specific sections within the fortress, including the Middle Tower, Byward Tower, Bloody Tower, and Wakefield Tower.
States
There are two versions of the image: one with the title at top ending in Gascoyne's name and the present example with it ending in Haiward's. We have not determined the significance of the two versions.
![[ London after the Great Fire ] Sic transit gloria Mundi. London](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/111209.jpg)
