18th Century Sea Chart of the Isles of Scilly

This antiquarian chart by Captain Greenville Collins is dated circa 1756 and features Land's End, The Lizard and Scilly Isles

Capt. Greenville Collins
In 1676 Collins was commissioned by Charles II, and appointed by Samuel Pepys (who was then Secretary to the Admiralty), to chart the coasts of Great Britain and he produced his Great Britain's Coasting Pilot in 1693, this was the first original sea atlas to be produced by an Englishman.

Collins engaged the services of various engravers to cut the plates including Herman Moll, Harris, Moxon and Lamb, final publication was twelve years after the initial commission.

Other Antique Sea Charts

Dartmouth - Greenville Collins Chart

The decorative chart of Dartmouth in Devon by Captain Greenville Collins is dated circa 1756.  It depicts the safe anchorage points and headlands in relief.  These were also the first charts to place buildings on the coast to aid triangulation and recognition.

See a selection of charts from the English Coasting Pilot by Greenville Collins  here

See also - old nautical charts