Old Port Mahon, Minorca Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Citadel, Fort St. Philip, Lazaretto

Delve into the meticulously detailed "A Plan of Port Mahon," an exquisite 1802 chart by the esteemed mapmaker William Heather. This chart is a part of Heather's groundbreaking work, The New Mediterranean Pilot, marking the first English endeavor to systematically chart the ports of the Mediterranean. Unlike the earlier French and Italian versions, which were relatively crude, Heather's charts stand out for their precise and finely engraved details. This particular chart captures the strategic and bustling Port Mahon on the island of Minorca, a key location in the Mediterranean Sea, offering a rare glimpse into the maritime significance of the area during the early 19th century.

The chart is oriented with northeast at the top and includes a large inset of the entrance to the Citadel, a crucial feature for understanding the defensive mechanisms of the time. It meticulously documents various topographical features, anchorages, and soundings, which are essential for navigation. The pictorial representations of the town and fortress not only add to the aesthetic appeal of the chart but also serve as an informative tool, providing insights into the architectural and military landscape of Port Mahon during this era.

In terms of geographical coverage, the chart offers a detailed view of the coastal areas, highlighting key locations such as Cape Negro, Point Espero, and the Lazaretto. It also marks significant large structures like Fort St. Philip and the Citadel, which played pivotal roles in the military history of the region. The inclusion of these elements makes the chart not just a navigational aid but also a historical document, reflecting the geopolitical dynamics of the Mediterranean at the time.

From an artistic perspective, the chart is a testament to the high level of craftsmanship achieved by mapmakers in the early 19th century. The fine engraving by John Stephenson, indicated by his monogram, adds a layer of artistic merit that enhances the overall value of the chart. The visual representation is both clear and appealing, making it not only a functional maritime tool but also a piece of art worthy of admiration and study.

Collectors and enthusiasts of maritime history will find "A Plan of Port Mahon" to be a significant addition to their collections. Its rarity and historical importance, coupled with its detailed execution and the reputation of its creator, make this chart a valuable and intriguing artifact. It not only embodies the navigational and cartographic practices of its time but also serves as a beautiful representation of the art of mapmaking in the early 19th century.

What can be seen on this map

• Coastal towns: Port Mahon, St. Philip, Georgetown
• Harbours: Port Mahon
• Islands: Minorca
• Large structures: Fort St. Philip, Citadel, Tower
• Topographical features: Cape Negro, Clot de Mora, Clot de Mola, Murta, Sa Segona, Los Ilots

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows the entrance to the port, as well as the town of Mahon and the surrounding area.
• It is labelled with the names of various landmarks, including Cape Negro, Point Espero, and the Lazaretto.
• Shows the locations of various forts and other military installations.
• A detailed and accurate representation of the area.
• A beautiful work of art that is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the mapmaker.

Historical and design context

• Title: A Plan of Port Mahon
• Date: 1802
• Mapmaker/publisher: William Heather. Heather's The New Mediterranean Pilot was the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• Design or style: The map is a finely engraved chart, with a detailed depiction of the Port Mahon area.
• Historical significance: This chart is a rare and important example of an early English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean.
• Includes a large inset map of the entrance to the Citadel.
• Includes soundings, some topographical features, anchorages, a pictorial representation of the town and fortress, and several other points of interest.
• Rarity: The charts from Heather's New Mediterranean Pilot are extremely rare on the market. This is the first example of the chart we have ever seen.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.