1871 Admiralty Chart (No 2091) of the west coast of Africa from Table Bay to Donkin Bay

Admiralty Chart No. 2091, Table Bay to Donkin Bay (28 February 1871), is a medium-scale coastal chart at about 1:370,000 that depicts the western seaboard of the Cape Colony from Table Bay northwards past Robben Island, Saldanha Bay, and St. Helena Bay to Donkin Bay, just south of the Orange River mouth. Compiled largely from Francis Skead’s surveys of the late 1850s, the chart presents extensive lead-line soundings, seabed notes, coastal relief in hachures, and sailing directions, with special attention to anchorages such as Table Bay—then undergoing major harbour works—and the excellent natural shelter of Saldanha. Beyond these, the coast is shown as barren and hazardous, with few aids to navigation and a long history of wrecks caused by poor shelter, fogs, and shifting currents. Issued at a time when the Cape route remained vital for Britain’s East Indies and Australian trade, the chart reflects the Admiralty’s systematic hydrographic programme and captures the west coast’s dual character: Cape Town emerging as a fortified imperial harbour while the rest of the coastline remained largely undeveloped and perilous for mariners.

This map is a reproduction of a historical map that is now in the public domain. It has been selected for its aesthetic appeal and historical interest and carefully restored and reproduced to preserve its original detail and character.  There may be marks and fold lines visible which add to the authentic look.  The map is printed on 230gsm heavyweight coated paper with a matte finish.  Most old maps were printed on uncoated rag or wood pulp papers and therefore a matte finish best represents the original map.