Miscellaneous
Maps, views and diagrams of military reviews and encampments
Woolwich Common, 1785
Manœuvres of two Battalions of Artillery July 9.th 1785
c.1785Nine identical engraved base maps each with different manuscript annotations and letterpress explanatory text pasted to a blank rectangular panel; eight mounted on card; all on guards and stitched together; marbled paper spine | Scale: 1:4,253 approx. | RCIN 734104.1.a
The different positions of the artillery battalions are inserted in manuscript on the printed base map. The first map has a blank rectangle, right centre. Letterpress text entitled '1st POSITION', '2d POSITION', etc., describing the eight positions of the manoeuvres, is pasted in the space of this blank rectangle on each of the succeeding eight maps.
These plans were probably produced to accompany the manoeuvres which were reviewed by George III on the morning of 9 July 1785. A report in the Morning Post and Daily Advertiser for 11 July reads: 'On Saturday morning his Majesty reviewed the 2d and 3d battalions of the regiment of Artillery at Woolwich. These Corps were drawn up in a line before the barracks, the right flank towards the common, and the left towards the town. About a quarter past six o'clock, the King's arrival upon the ground was announced by a royal salute from the cannon. The Prince of Wales arrived a few minutes after ... After the firings were concluded, instead of the ordinary manoeuvres, a mock fight was performed upon the common ... These manoeuvres were executed with great celerity (the whole being over at twenty minutes past eight o'clock) and gave the numerous spectators a very lively picture of a real engagement: perhaps some movements might have been contrived, which would have afforded a finer coup d'oeil, yet the precision with which these were performed made amends for the want of variety. The company of Cadets joined the second battalion, and made a very martial appearance. After the Review was over, his Majesty breakfasted with the Duke and Dichess of Richmond, and then went to the Warren, with his suite, to see some experiments made in the firing of red hot shot, as practised at the late siege of Gibraltar.'
Condition: no fold lines; some brown discolouration to all pages.
Anonymous (cartographer)
Watermark: Britannia in crowned shield
Condition: no fold lines; some brown discolouration to all pages
Scale: 1:4,253 approx. Scale bar: Scale of Yards [43 mm =] 200.
21.9 x 11.5 cm (neatline)
22.2 x 11.5 cm (image)
22.6 x 12.1 cm (sheet; size of sheet varies slightly)
22.6 x 13.1 cm (bound item)
Printed title:
Manœuvres of two Battalions of Artillery July 9.th 1785. [top, above neatline]
Annotations:
George III heading: Woolwich, 9 July 1785.
Other annotations: none.
George III catalogue entry:
Woolwich Manœuvres of two Battalions of Artillery on Woolwich Common 9 July 1785. 9 plates.
Subject(s)
Woolwich, Greater London, UK (51°29'27"N 00°03'53"E)
Page revisions
14 March 2024
Current version
