Speculi Britanniae Pars

Speculi Britanniae Pars is a survey of the county of Essex taken by John Norden 1594 and Reprinted by the Camden Society in 1840. 

The work is described by the author as 'an historical and chorographical description of the County of Essex'. The word chorographical is no longer in common usage however was defined at the time as surveying or mapping of smaller geographical areas including counties, districts, regions or provinces. 

The members of the Camden Society are listed and include Thomas Wright Esq who is the author of a number of other works in the Southend Libraries Rare Books Archive. The work also contains minutes of a Camden Society meeting 2nd May 1840 and a report of the auditors. 

Pagination:

Introduction - xliv pages

Essex described by Io Nordern 1594 - 42 pages

Camden Society - 35 pages

The work contains a map of the county of Essex with text containing the German eszett or scharfes S instead of a double-s. 

Insert - this work contains a loose typed insert listing the rectors of St Alban's 1553-1868 and the abbots of St Alban's from pre-conquest to 1538 not thought to be part of the original work. 

Provenance - The work contains a book plate belonging to Herbet W Tomkins and a Southend Libraries book plate. 

Marginalia - The work has a handwritten inscription before the title page containing a name that cannot be identified due to the handwriting and 'Tower of London June 19th 1854'