Ancient Maps of Hythe

	History comes alive via replicas of two ancient maps of the town and Cinque Port of Hythe belonging to a medieval alms house. For more than three centuries the maps have been jealously guarded against any form of reproduction. Now in order to raise funds for the charity the present Trustees of the Hospitals of St Bartholomew and St John in Hythe have decided to issue a limited edition of life-size full-colour copies of their two town maps. Ordered to be made by surveyor Thomas Hill in 1684 and 1685 the maps show the extensive land holdings belonging to the two hospitals at that time. They also give a wonderful pictorial view of the then relatively undeveloped areas of Central Hythe and Saltwood. Chartered Surveyor Tim Lawrence, clerk to the trustees, said: "Although these maps are a little crude in terms of accuracy compared with today's ordnance survey sheets, they are far more decorative and are works of art in themselves. With the use of a magnifying glass you can take a trip back to 17th Century England and read interesting notes on Hythe and its properties at that time". The St John's Hospital map features the White Hart and Captain Deedes' house. The St. Bartholomew's Hospital map covers a wider area and gives more information on Saltwood, including the castle, Newington and West Hythe. After the Second World War the building which housed St. Bartholomew's Hosopital, now known as Centuries at the foot of Church Hill, was sold off and its residents united with those of St John's Hospital at 150 High Street. Once believed to be a leper hospital the St John's Hospital building now has seven comfortable self-contained flats accommodating senior citizens from Hythe from all walks of life.
	The maps are now available through the nearby Old Gallery Bookshop, 125 High Street, Hythe, CT21 5JJ, Tel. (44) (0) 1303 269339 Authenticated sales will be restricted to 100 numbered copies of each with a small reduction for buying the pair.