A rare broadsheet map of the Great Fire of London of 1666

A fascinating map of London showing the extent of the damage caused by the Great Fire of London in 1666, with an inset view of the city on flames, mourned by a waterman. A 130-point key is engraved on two scrolls held aloft by cherubs. This broadside was published shortly after the event, often with a letterpress text describing the disaster for Dutch and French readers. At the time the English and Dutch were at war (the Second Anglo-Dutch War, 1665-7), and De Wit recounts how Dutch and French men were rounded up, accused of starting the conflagration but he puts down the cause to hand of God. Although the disaster did make Charles II keen to end the war, London was soon rebuilt and eclipsing its Dutch rivals.