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This large 1744 wall map by John Rocque, with engraving by R. White, provides an elaborate depiction of Exeter, England, embellished with nine detailed vignettes of significant buildings and pastoral scenes. Spanning a substantial four feet wide, this two-sheet map offers a rare glimpse into the city's 18th-century landscape.
In the mid-18th century, Exeter was a flourishing city, characterized by its strategic importance in the southwest of England. The period marked a significant transition in urban planning and architecture, influenced by both local and European styles. Exeter, known for its rich history dating back to the Roman era, was a hub of commerce and culture at this time. This map, therefore, captures a critical moment in the city's evolution, portraying its layout and prominent structures amidst a period of social and architectural transformation.
John Rocque, a noted cartographer of the era, is renowned for his detailed city plans, and this work precedes his famous map of London by two years. The precision and artistry in Rocque's work are evident in the map's intricate vignettes, which include landmarks such as Exe Bridge, The Guild-Hall, and the Cathedral of St Peter. These vignettes not only serve as a testament to Rocque's skill but also provide a visual narrative of Exeter's architectural heritage, from its ecclesiastical buildings to civic structures.
Unique to this map is a small vignette above the French title cartouche, likely a self-portrait of Rocque as a surveyor.
John Rocque (circa 1704-1762), an 18th-century surveyor of Huguenot descent, left a profound imprint on the topographical representation of England, particularly through his elaborate maps of London and its surroundings. Despite his significant contributions, his life, both personally and professionally, remains somewhat cloaked in mystery.
Born likely around 1704 or 1705 to French Huguenot parents who migrated to Geneva following the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, Rocque found his calling in England. There, he and his siblings were known to have spent significant parts of their lives. His journey into surveying took off in 1734, with his first recognized work involving a survey of Richmond House and its gardens. This engagement emerged at a fortuitous time when the landscaping and design of the nobility's estates were witnessing renewed interest, which required accurate surveying—a skill Rocque exemplified.
Rocque didn't confine his talents to surveying alone but ventured into printselling, owning a shop near Hyde Park Corner by 1743. This enterprise reflected his energetic nature and the breadth of his ambition, contributing to his reputation for high-quality work, evidenced by the size of his workforce, which included up to ten draughtsmen and engravers at times.
In his later years, Rocque faced adversity, with his shop and entire stock in Whitehall being devastated by fire in 1750. However, his resilience saw him bounce back, and despite several relocations, Rocque maintained his business operations around the Strand area. By the 1750s, his work had taken him to Dublin, where he made substantial contributions in the form of numerous Irish maps and various English county maps.
On the personal front, Rocque married twice but had no known children from either marriage. His first wife was Marthe, whom he married by 1728, and following her death, he married Mary Anne Bew in 1751. Rocque's health began deteriorating towards the end of his life, leading to his death on January 27, 1762. His widow, Mary Anne, continued to manage the business for several years after his demise.
![[Western England and Wales] Le provincie che sono all'ovest dell'Inghilterra e quelle del principato di Galles](https://storage.googleapis.com/raremaps/img/small/82448.jpg)
