The Hereford World Map

The Hereford World Map

The Hereford World Map, or "Mappa Mundi," was created using a full sheet of vellum, or calfskin, around 1300 to represent the world as it was then understood. It portrays Europe, Asia, and Africa. It is in an T-O layout and has everything centered around Jerusalem. It was used to study the world but also the different creatures in foreign regions and important mythological events, while still promoting the place of Christ sitting in judgment over all of God’s creation.

The Mappa Mundi facsimile is nearly to scale measuring 143 x 120 cm. Large scale printing technology was needed to print the map in one piece. As a result, the colors are vibrant, replicating the experience of viewing the original map in person. There is a texture to the surface of the map facsimile, which acts to further replicate the original vellum.

Original MS: Richard of Haldingham and Lafford

Facsimile: UNT Special Collections Library, Call Number: GA304.R5 H37 2010 map
Original MS: Hereford, Hereford Cathedral

Folio Society, London

Facsimile: 2010
Map: c. 1300

Introduction: P.D.A. Harvey.
Commentary: Scott D. Westrem

Folio Society

Isidore of Seville’s Etymologiae

Map on vellum, not to scale, 143 x 120 cm

Latin, Anglo-Norman French

World map

Spiritual and Historical Map

England, Gothic, c. 1300

Prepared by Dorothy Irvine