Old Bay of Algiers Nautical Chart by Heather, 1802: Algeria, Ottoman Regency, Fortifications

The Bay of Algiers in Barbary: A Nautical Chart by William Heather, 1802

Historical and Navigational Significance

"The Bay of Algiers in Barbary," crafted in 1802 by the esteemed British hydrographer William Heather, stands as a monumental work in the annals of cartography. This chart not only delineates the coastal contours of the Bay of Algiers but also serves a crucial navigational purpose. Heather, a member of both the Royal Society and the Royal Geographical Society, was renowned for his meticulous charts designed to aid the mariner. This particular chart is a testament to his expertise, displaying detailed soundings, navigational aids like lighthouses, and hazards, ensuring safe passage through these historically rich waters.

Cartographic Details and Engraving Quality

The chart is a fine example of early 19th-century engraving, with work by the London engraver John Stephenson, whose monogram adorns the piece. Its precision in detailing the coastal and topographical features, including towns like Algiers and notable fortifications such as Babalonet Ft and the Emperor's Fort, reflects the high standards of the era. The inclusion of soundings and detailed depictions of harbors and anchorages highlights the dual utility of the chart for both navigation and strategic planning, a hallmark of Heather's charts.

Cultural and Historical Context

Algiers, during the time of this chart's creation, was a pivotal location in the Mediterranean, influenced by various powers including the Ottoman Empire, France, and Spain. The chart not only captures the geographical layout but also subtly notes the political and cultural significance of the region. The detailed plan of Algiers’ fortifications offers a glimpse into the military importance of the city in the early 1800s, making this chart a valuable piece for historians and collectors alike.

Comparative Significance

This chart is part of Heather's ambitious project, "The New Mediterranean Pilot," which was the first English endeavor to comprehensively map the Mediterranean ports, a task previously dominated by French, Italian, and Spanish cartographers. Heather’s charts are distinguished by their meticulous detail and artistic engraving, contrasting sharply with the cruder executions of his continental counterparts. This chart of Algiers is particularly rare, adding to its value and desirability among collectors of maritime charts.

Collector's Appeal and Rarity

As a rare artifact, this chart is not only a navigational tool but also a piece of art. It represents a significant period in cartographic history, marked by the transition from predominantly Mediterranean-focused cartography to a more global perspective that included English contributions. The rarity of Heather's charts, especially those from "The New Mediterranean Pilot," makes this piece a coveted item for serious collectors and enthusiasts of nautical history. Its preservation and presentation of historical data through detailed cartographic techniques make it an invaluable asset for both educational and decorative purposes.

What can be seen on this map

• Coastal Towns
• Algiers
• Rivers
• River Pt
• Harbours
• Port
• Large Structures
• Fort
• Babalonet Ft
• Emperors Fort
• Topographical Features
• C. Caxines
• C. Cafsines or
• C. Matifora

Notable Features & Landmarks

• The map shows towns, harbours, and coastal features.
• It includes soundings (numbers showing water depths in fathoms) and navigational aids (a compass rose, currents, water channels, etc.).
• The map shows the location of Algiers, the capital city of Algeria.
• The map shows the location of the Ottoman Empire's Algiers Regency.
• The map shows the location of the French colony of Algiers.
• The map shows the location of the Spanish colony of Oran.
• The map shows the location of the British colony of Gibraltar.

Historical and design context

• The title of the map is "The Bay of Algiers in Barbary".
• The map was made in 1802.
• The mapmaker or publisher is William Heather, a British hydrographer and publisher known for his detailed charts and contributions to navigation.
• The map is a nautical chart, designed for navigation, showing the depth of the water in the bay, as well as the location of rocks and other hazards.
• The map is a finely engraved chart, signed in monogram by the London engraver John Stephenson.
• The map is an example of the first English attempt at a collection of ports of the Mediterranean, following earlier French and Italian versions.
• The map is a rare antique engraved chart of Algiers.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.