Mutlow and StockdaIes Map







Features
One surprising feature of the map is how small Chester was in 1795 and how much open space was left within the City Walls.

Some points to note are:
 * The River Dee had been diverted from its original course, making a right-angle turn at the "Cheese Docks";
 * The Canal has been built and the Basin is present, although there is no extension to Ellesmere Port;
 * The "Bowling Green" behind what was once the "Bowling Green" pub is marked on the map - having been in use since the 16th century. This bowling green existed until recently, the pub having become the "Catholic Club". The Church sold the bowling green off in 2001, when a residential development (retirement homes) was built on its site.

History
This map was engraved by J.Mutlow, published by John Stockdale in 1795. John Stockdale was born in Caldbeck, Cumberland, the son of Priscilla Stockdale (1726–1789) and, Joseph Stockdale. He is believed to have been raised as a blacksmith, like his father, and then to have become valet to John Astley of Dukinfield, Cheshire. He married Mary Ridgway, a native of Roe Cross, Mottram-in-Longdendale, Cheshire, and sister to James Ridgway, a well-known publisher of Piccadilly, London. He had met Mary in the Dukinfield Moravian chapel.

Stockdale moved to London about 1780 and worked as a porter to publisher John Almon, near to the premises of his brother in law. When Almon retired from business in favour of John Debrett, Stockdale opened a book shop in competition and, "being a man of natural parts, he soon became conspicuous in business in spite of much eccentricity of conduct and great coarseness of manners". Both Stockdale's and Debrett's premises became meeting places for the political classes, Debrett's being frequented by the Whigs and Stockdale's by the supporters of William Pitt. John Adams, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States lodged with Stockdale for two months during 1783.

Sources and Links
+ Stockdale and America;