1617

What cover would you have chosen for our book?

What cover would you have chosen for our book?

Would you have chosen a different cover? What image from the book do you think would make a great cover?  Why not let us know at our Talks, Tea and Cake event on May 27th from 2-5pm in Balsham? Join us for a cuppa and quiz the team on how to make a book - Berenice, our award-winning designer and 'book coach' will be there to answer your questions publishing a book. You can find out about maps from Dr. Seppe Cassettari and buy a copy of Balsham, a village story 1617 - 2017. The team would also love to hear memories from current and former residents. All are warmly welcome whether you are a resident or not.

First look at our book!

We are delighted to reveal two pages from our book. We put these together to show you how our content is coming along and what we anticipate the book will look like. You can pick up a printed copy at our Valuation Day on 22nd April. If you would like a copy for your place of work, a community group or library, get in touch, we'd love to hear from you.

 

One page from our book showing a photo from the archives

One page from our book showing a photo from the archives

Second page from our book showing one of the maps 

Second page from our book showing one of the maps 

Who created the 1617 map?

The London Charterhouse map was commissioned by the Governors of the Charterhouse estate in 1616 and completed in 1617. It was surveyed and compiled by Thomas Langdon, a Tudor cartographer and Oxford University alumni. Estate maps had a practical use, showing enclosures and providing a means of administrating large areas of land in a litigious society. Cartography served a social purpose by recording land ownership.

The 1617 map, like others of this period contains symbolic meanings which reference status, pride and landscape. Decoration ‘which appears to have been included as a routine act of decoration…should not be underestimated’ (Harley, 1983). The title cartouche and decoration on each sheet reflect the social aims of the Charterhouse estate and affluence. 

Come along to the Church Institute in Balsham on Saturday, 21st March to find to more about Thomas Langdon and his magnificent map!