The South-East View of Dartmouth-Castle, in the County of Devon

London: D. Bond, printer, 1774. Ephemera no binding. Fine. Samuel and Nathaniel BUCK. Archival matting with a hand-applied gilt border. Matted print measures 14" x 21"; print sheet measures 11 3/8" x 18"; engraved image within the plate line measures 7 ½" x 14 ½". Hand-colored copperplate engraving from the publication, Buck's Antiquities, or Venerable Remains of Above 400 Castles, &c. in England and Wales, with near 100 Views of Cities. The text reads, "This Castle was built for the defence of the harbour, and is very ancient for there has been a Chappel in it ever since D. Edward 3.time-which was dedicated to St. Petrock, & belongs to Stoke-fleming Church 2 miles off, but the stone Tower and Spire were Built by the Inhabitants not many Years since." A pronounced engraving plate mark can be easily seen within the matted area.

Dartmouth Castle was built in 1388 by the corporation of Dartmouth to guard the mouth of the Dart Estuary in Devon, it was fortified by King Henry VIII and remained in use through both WWI and WWII. The engraving shows not only the castle, but Dartmoor rising above the river and a view of the town as the river rounds the bend. A church, most likely St. Saviour's (built in 1335) can be seen in the town. Ships can be seen in the harbor with men rowing from them. The high level of detail and delicate coloring bring this engraving to life.