The map, made of wool and silk, depicts a map of Gloucestershire in detail unrivalled by other tapestries found in the UK. © Bodleian Library

The Sheldon Tapestry Map of Gloucestershire, a fine example of 16th century cartography and decorative art, was put on public display at the Bodleian Library in Oxford on January 19, in an exhibition that will last until February 23.

“The stunningly beautiful map depicts the late 16th century Gloucestershire landscape with remarkable clarity and precision,” said Nick Millea, map librarian at the Bodleian Library, “and the prospect of displaying such a striking artefact at the Bodleian is tremendously exciting, especially as it will now be housed only 26 miles from where it was created.”

As reported by the 24 Hour Museum in 2007, the Bodleian Library in Oxford acquired the 16th century tapestry at auction in July 2007 for £100,000 (read the story). It now owns three fragments of the Gloucestershire tapestry, in addition to the Oxfordshire and Worcestershire tapestries, donated in 1809.

Technically unrivalled in the UK, the maps still retain much of their original vibrant colour and demonstrate an interest in landscapes, rivers and townscapes. They are significant for cartographic historians as they represent the landscapes of the midland counties uniquely, at a period when modern cartography was in its infancy.