Bryanston Estate, Dorset—Bowles, William and Margaret Bowles

Manuscript estate plan in ink and colours on vellum, in 2 membranes joined, 670 x 1070mm., coloured in red, blue, green and yellow, elaborate cartouches, borders, embellishments, enclosures heightened in gold, slight wear at coloured borders, repair at lower edge, some soiling

Wilfrid Cowley, one of the founders of Bryanston School; by descent to present owners

Eden, Dictionary of Land Surveyors and Local Mapmakers, p.56 (notes them as Bowles)

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

AN EARLY AND DECORATIVE ESTATE PLAN and an important snapshot of the agricultural landscape of the seventeenth century. 

The map covers what is now the parish of Bryanston on the River Stour bordered by Blandford Forum, Pimperne, Blandford St Mary, Winterborne Stickland and Durweston and centres on the area of Blandford, Bryanston House (where the church is now) and the familiar curve of the river. It is thought Bryanston is one of the manors of Blandford listed in the Domesday book. It was acquired by the Rogers family in 1410, and after  a long ownership it was purchased in 1662 by Sir William Portman.

This reduced survey produced in 1659 was prepared for this sale of the estate and this can be seen by the amount of detail and various inscriptions on the map such as "Mr Ryues: Pray buy it" and "Mr Pitt and Colletts Meede: Buy it" and "Trees by Park are worth..."

Three cartouches contain important references to the contents of the plan, the listing of the "Tenants of Blandford", the "Tennants of Bryanston" and "To know what  every acre is worth in the manar of Brainston and whether they are: Meadow: Pasture or Arable". 

"The map shows that the meadows were more enclosed and settled during the 17th century than at any point since. The enclosures led down to the River Stour, over which was 'The great clyffe' of planted woodland leading to the pre-1778 Bryanston House built by the Rogers family" (Dorset History Centre). It has charming vignettes of William Bowles and his surveying team, and is well illustrated by agricultural scenes of ploughing, haymaking, sheep, cows and orchards (additional images on sothebys.com).