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This finely engraved and hand-colored map presents the English county of Rutland as surveyed by Christopher and John Greenwood for their Atlas of the Counties of England.
The map delineates Rutlandshire’s five historical hundreds—Alston, East, Martinsley, Oakham Soke, and Wrandle—each outlined in color. It offers detailed information on the county’s geography, showing towns, parishes, villages, turnpike roads, toll bars, rivers, brooks, and canals, as well as distinguishing features such as churches, castles, parks, pleasure grounds, commons, mills, and notable rising ground.
A prominent feature of the map is the carefully rendered vignette at the lower left, depicting Burley House, an important country estate associated with Rutland’s gentry. The decorative title cartouche, ornate compass rose, and comprehensive legend contribute to the map’s aesthetic refinement and practical use. A reference to hundreds is listed, and the county boundary is distinctly marked relative to neighboring counties such as Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
Produced during a period of growing interest in precise county surveys, the Greenwood maps are notable for their scale, accuracy, and artistic embellishment. This example reflects the transition between traditional county mapping and more modern, standardized cartographic practices that would emerge later in the 19th century. It captures Rutland at a time when turnpike travel dominated and the rural landscape retained its historic structure.
