A Survey of Port Jackson, New South Wales

Acquired From: Leen Helmink

Colouring: Uncoloured

Condition: Very Good

Confirmed: Yes

Date Acquired: 24/4/2024

Dealers ID No.: 19543

Description: John Septimus Roe, a Royal Navy officer and skilled surveyor, was assigned to the hydrographic service in New South Wales under the command of Phillip Parker King. Arriving in the colony in September 1817, Roe spent the next four years undertaking major surveys, including the first full circumnavigation of Australia. His contributions to these early explorations earned him a promotion to Lieutenant in April 1822.nThat same year, Roe completed a detailed nautical chart of Port Jackson, published in London by the Admiraltys Hydrographical Office in 1826just 38 years after the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. The chart extends from the entrance of Port Jackson at the Heads westward to "The Flats" (Homebush Bay), and along the Parramatta River to Parramatta. It includes soundings in fathoms, tidal information, and critical navigation details, such as the eastern and western channels at the Heads.nNotable features of the chart include:n Sow and Pigs Reef, marked with a lightship.n Hen and Chicken Reef.n Outer South Head Signal Station.n Waterview Bay (Morts Bay) Dry Dock.n A street plan of early Sydney.nThe chart exists in four states:n''First ''(1826, this chart, and also View Record (#175)): Based on Roes 1822 surveyn''Second ''(1839): Admiralty chart number 1069 addedn''Third ''(1848): Two large compass roses engraved (see link) n''Fourth ''(1856): Updated with corrections to that year (see link)nRoes chart is one of the earliest detailed hydrographic surveys of Port Jackson and provides a vital record of both maritime conditions and urban growth in early colonial Sydney. His precise, methodical approach reflects the technical standards of Admiralty charting in the early nineteenth century and underscores his lasting contribution to Australian hydrography.

Engraver: Walker, J. & C.

First published: London: Hydrographical Office of the Admiralty, 1826

Image Size (cm): 60.5×44.5

Mapmaker: Roe, John Septimus, (1797-1878)

Other states: Second 1839, Third 1848, Fourth 1856

Price: 700

Primary Category: Sea Charts

Rarity: R3 Uncommon – dealers can usually obtain a copy

Sheet size (cm): 64×47

Technique: Copper Engraving

This state: 1826 (see View Record (#175))

Website: Click here