Old Bermuda Islands Nautical Chart, 1894: Hamilton, Castle Harbour, The Narrows
Discover the allure of maritime history with this exquisite British Admiralty nautical chart of the Bermuda Islands, first published in 1894. This map, crafted with precision and care, captures the intricate coastal features from The Narrows to Hamilton. As a navigational tool, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the maritime practices of the late 19th century, highlighting the strategic importance of Bermuda in global navigation. The chart is adorned with detailed soundings, compass roses, and navigational routes, making it an essential piece for both historians and collectors.
The map’s design is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship of the British Admiralty, renowned for their authoritative nautical charts. These maps were vital for ensuring safe passage across the seas, and this particular chart is no exception. The detailed soundings, marked in fathoms, provide crucial information about water depths, ensuring navigators could avoid underwater hazards and reefs. This level of detail not only underscores the map’s practical use but also its historical significance as a navigational aid.
Central to the map are the Bermuda Islands, with their coastal towns, harbours, and natural features prominently displayed. Hamilton, the capital city, and Castle Harbour are clearly marked, offering insights into the region’s bustling maritime activity. The inclusion of key landmarks such as Gibbs Hill Lighthouse and the Royal Naval Dockyard further enriches the map’s narrative, painting a vivid picture of Bermuda’s role as a maritime hub. These features make the map a captivating piece for those interested in the geography and history of this unique archipelago.
The map’s infographics are elegantly presented, with a focus on clarity and accuracy. The compass roses, channels, and tidal information are not just functional elements but also add to the aesthetic appeal of the chart. The careful delineation of currents and navigational routes reflects the mapmaker’s dedication to precision, ensuring that mariners could rely on this chart for safe and efficient travel. This attention to detail is a hallmark of the British Admiralty’s cartographic excellence.
Owning this map is like holding a piece of history in your hands. It is not just a representation of geographical data but a window into the past, offering insights into the maritime world of the 19th century. Whether you are a seasoned collector or a history enthusiast, this map is a treasure that brings the rich history of Bermuda’s waters to life. Its blend of functionality, artistry, and historical context makes it a standout piece in any collection.
Notable places on this map
- Hamilton: The capital city of Bermuda.
- The Narrows: A significant navigational passage.
- Castle Harbour: A major harbour in Bermuda.
- St. George’s Island: A key island in the Bermuda archipelago.
- Great Sound: A large body of water within the islands.
- North Rock: A notable reef area.
- Gibbs Hill Lighthouse: A landmark for navigation.
- Royal Naval Dockyard: Historical naval base location.
- Somerset Island: Part of the island group.
- Paget Parish: A region on the map.
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Coastal outlines of Bermuda Islands.
- Detailed soundings indicating water depths in fathoms.
- Compass roses for navigation.
- Marked channels and navigational routes.
- Indications of reefs and underwater hazards.
- Coastal towns and harbours.
- Currents and tidal information.
- Topographical features of the islands.
- Historical context of Bermuda as a maritime hub.
Historical and design context
- Creation date: First published in 1894.
- Mapmaker/Publisher: British Admiralty, known for authoritative nautical charts.
- Design/Style: Detailed nautical chart with emphasis on coastal features and navigational information.
- Historical significance: Reflects maritime navigation practices of the late 19th century and the importance of Bermuda as a strategic location.
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 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the undefined 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.
