An exceptionally rare Tudor map of Kingsbridge has been acquired by South West Heritage Trust, a charity commissioned by us to be custodians of the county’s archives and heritage.

The 1586 map of Kingsbridge will now be publicly accessible for researchers at the Devon Heritage Centre in Exeter, after more than four centuries in private hands.

The acquisition was made possible thanks to a generous grant of £17,691 from the Friends of the Nations’ Libraries, and further funding support from the Friends of Devon Archives.

The 16th century map strengthens the county’s historical record and enhances opportunities for deeper research into Devon’s Tudor heritage.

The hand-drawn and painted map (41cm W × 48.5cm H) has remained in outstanding condition, retaining much of its vivid original colour. It contains detailed depictions of key features of Tudor Kingsbridge, including the parish church, a pillory, and the ‘Cheape House’—a central building in the town’s main street where the manor court was held until its demolition in 1796.

The document maps land belonging to Sir John Petre, the lord of the manor, and was likely commissioned by him. The Petre family were long-established figures in Devon’s history; Sir John’s father, Sir William Petre, served as Secretary of State under Henry VIII, Edward VI and Mary I.

This newly acquired map will complement the substantial Petre family archive held at the Devon Heritage Centre. Spanning the 12th to the 19th centuries, the collection includes extensive manorial records and title deeds documenting the Petres’ Devon estates.