Edit Object 3327149

The four engravings that comprise this set were all made by the same draftsman who inscribed a dedication on each one to either a military figure or the head of the local volunteer militia. Plymouth sits at a strategic location along England's southern coast. With a natural harbor along the English Channel and open access to the Atlantic Ocean, its settlements were often the target of invading forces throughout its long history. By the 18th century it was an important trading and naval port with substantial fortifications along the coast, as well as a number of stationed military regiments whose leaders would have been important members of the community. This is all of well captured in these very detailed engravings.

Made through a laborious process, engravings like this are very detailed portraits of the locations and life in their times.  A great example of this is the engraving seen in the top image here- a view of Saint Nicholas Island, now called Drake's Island- a small fortified island in Plymouth Sound that was the focal point of local defense for centuries. A large number of Royal Naval ships surround the island and its buildings, some of which still remain on the island to this day.

Below is the text of the four which are each also signed as drawn by W. Hay and engraved by B.T. Pouncy.

A View of Catwater and Part of the Citadel, from the West Hoe.
Most Respectfully Inscribed to Edward Archer Esq. and the Gentlemen of the Plymouth Independent Company of Volunteers by Their Most Obliged, Humble Servant W. Hay
Published by W. Hay- May 1, 1782

A View of the Lara from Crabtree to the Head of Catwater
Most Respectfully Inscribed to Edward Archer Esq. and the Gentlemen of the Plymouth Independent Company of Volunteers by Their Most Obliged, Humble Servant W. Hay
Published by W. Hay- Dec. 1, 1781

A View of St. Nicholas Island and Plymouth Sound from the Lines at Dock
Most Respectfully Inscribed to Major General Charles Grey
Colonel of the 28th Regement Foot by his most Obliged, Humble Servant W. Hay
Published by W. Hay- Dec. 1, 1781

Mount Wise Fort, Plymouth Dock, Taken from the Passage Beach, 
Most Humbly Inscribed to Lieutenant General Haviland, Commander in Chief of His Majesty's Forces
In the Western District and Col: of the 45th Regiment by His Most Obliged, Humble Servant W. Hay
Published by W. Hay- 1st June, 1780

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