Wednesday 20 April 2011

There be Salmon Ladders

Found yesterday evening at auction a very early linen backed Oarsman's and Angler's Map of the River Thames dating to the Mid 19th Century compiled and drawn by E.G Ravenstein and published in London by James Reynolds.  It is inscribed in ink P. Rhodes May 1866.  Given that the map is nearly one hundred and fifty years old it is in good condition.   Measuring between 9 and 10ft when extended it includes a summary of Fishing Preserves as 'arranged by the Lord Mayor'.  As always in Arcadia there is much talk on the map of gudgeon as well as the telling words 'At Teddington and Moulsey Weirs there are Salmon Ladders'.