{"id":68468,"date":"2026-01-21T13:04:35","date_gmt":"2026-01-21T13:04:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/?p=68468"},"modified":"2026-01-26T17:32:15","modified_gmt":"2026-01-26T17:32:15","slug":"rare-tudor-map-of-kingsbridge-acquired-public-access","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.devon.gov.uk\/news\/rare-tudor-map-of-kingsbridge-acquired-public-access\/","title":{"rendered":"Rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge acquired for public access"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The acquisition was made possible thanks to a generous grant of \u00a317,691 from the Friends of the Nations\u2019 Libraries, and further funding support from the Friends of Devon Archives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The 16th<\/sup> century map strengthens the county\u2019s historical record and enhances opportunities for deeper research into Devon\u2019s Tudor heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The hand-drawn and painted map (41cm W \u00d7 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 \u2018Cheape House\u2019\u2014a central building in the town\u2019s main street where the manor court was held until its demolition in 1796.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s history; Sir John\u2019s father, Sir William Petre, served as Secretary of State under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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