An exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge has been acquired by South West Heritage Trust, a charity commissioned by us to be custodians of the county’s archives and heritage.
The 1586 map of Kingsbridge will now be publicly accessible for researchers at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter, after more than four centuries in private hands.
The acquisition was made possible thanks to a generous grant of £17,691 from the Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, and further funding support from the Friends of Devon Archives.
The 16th century map strengthens the county’s historical record and enhances opportunities for deeper research into Devon’s Tudor heritage.
The hand-drawn and painted map (41cm W × 48.5cm H) has remained in outstanding condition, retaining much of its vivid original colour. It contains detailed depictions of key features of Tudor Kingsbridge, including the parish church, a pillory, and the ‘Cheape House’—a central building in the town’s main street where the manor court was held until its demolition in 1796.
The document maps land belonging to Sir John Petre, the lord of the manor, and was likely commissioned by him. The Petre family were long-established figures in Devon’s history; Sir John’s father, Sir William Petre, served as Secretary of State under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I.
Devon County Councillor Simon Clist, Cabinet Member for Assets and Resources and one of the Trustees of the South West Heritage Trust said:
“I would like to thank Friends of the Nations’ Libraries for their generosity and South West Heritage Trust for their work in helping to secure this rare example of an Elizabethan map for the public to view and enjoy. This acquisition is not only a remarkable piece of history but also a vital step in preserving Devon’s rich heritage for future generations. By safeguarding such treasures, we ensure that the stories, culture, and identity of our region remain accessible and celebrated for years to come.”
Scott Pettitt, Head of Devon Archives and Local Studies explains the national significance of the acquisition:
“Contemporary visual representations of provincial towns from the Elizabethan period are remarkably scarce. While several well-known depictions of London, Oxford and Cambridge survive, illustrations of smaller towns from this era are seldom found.
“We are delighted that this important piece of Devon’s past will now be preserved and made accessible for everyone—from academic researchers to local historians and the wider community.”
Geordie Greig, Chair of Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, said
“Estate maps of the 16th century are extremely rare, and this sort of view even rarer. This is an exceptional example. It is an absolute triumph for South West Heritage Trust to have acquired it and we were delighted to help to secure the map for the people of Devon.”
This newly acquired map will complement the substantial Petre family archive held at the Devon Heritage Centre. Spanning the 12th to the 19th centuries, the collection includes extensive manorial records and title deeds documenting the Petres’ Devon estates.