The latest exhibition at the University Library opens this Wednesday (30 April), tracing the key events in the mapping of Cambridgeshire from 1573 to 2003. Unfolding Landscapes: Maps of Cambridgeshire from Elizabeth I to Elizabeth II is drawn from the Library's remarkable collection of over one million maps.

As well as displaying maps of the whole County, the exhibition looks at the mapping of Cambridge and the Fens. Christopher Saxton's map from 1579, our first national atlas, is one item on display in the current exhibition. Other highlights include John Speed's lavish map of the County produced in 1610; the earliest printed map of Cambridge dated 1574 and engraved by Richard Lyne; John Ogilby's strip map of the road from Oxford to Cambridge (1675) and Ordnance Survey maps from the early 19th century to the early 21st century.

As well as being beautifully crafted works of art in their own right, maps tell us an enormous amount about both about past landscapes and the society for which they were made.

Anne Taylor, Head of the Map Department at the Library, said:

"This exhibition provides a wonderful opportunity for people living in Cambridgeshire to come and enjoy a part of their local heritage. Over four hundred years of Cambridgeshire history are on display in the form of beautiful maps, all from the stunning collections of Cambridge University Library."

The exhibition is open from 30 April to 18 October 2003, Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 4.30pm. (Closed 25 August and 16-23 September inclusive.) Admission is free. The University Library is on West Road, Cambridge.

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