Mapping England

Mapping England brings to light the ways in which ideas about and around England have changed since the very first attempts at mapping the land. Charting the nation has helped to define what England is - and what it could be - developing and maintaining an identity distinct from the nations of Great Britain, whilst relating that identity to the British Isles as a whole. Through a series of compelling and revealing maps, Mapping England illustrates how the country has scrutinised itself and been scrutinised by others, all the while recording the ever-changing circumstances that have carved out the notion of England as we know it today.
Organised thematically, Mapping England encompasses some of the most important documents in the history of charting the country. From maps designed to defend the realm, to those recording topographical and geological features to those assisting in transport across the country, Mapping England presents a number of creative and compelling interpretations of the country. Work from cartographers, military strategists, government officials and fine artists culminate in a complete look at where mapping England originated, and the ways it has evolved over the years in response to changing notions of nationhood, security and cultural identity.
Author Simon Foxell unpicks the historical and political references alive in these fascinating maps, telling the story of how England has represented itself in graphic form across different moments in time and through different socio-political climates.