This map of Hertfordshire is from William Camden’s 'Britannia' first published in 1586. It was the last to be published in his lifetime and the first to be illustrated with county maps although this had been contemplated since at least 1589. Camden (1551-1623) was an antiquary and historian. An academic by profession he would become the headmaster of Westminster School in 1593. He spent much of his time travelling and collecting material for his highly respected 'Britannia'. An example of the first edition first state. Chubb 18; Hodson 6.2; Shirley BL T.Camd 1a; Skelton 5; Taylor 'Late Tudor and Early Stuart Geography' pp. 9- 13.