Description:Map showing the Sheldons' Brailes Estates. c.1600. It bears the arms of the Sheldon family. The large cartouche was designed by a Flemish artist Jan Vredeman de Vries in 1555 and was used in the Atlas of an earlier cartographer , Abraham Ortelius. That Atlas was published in England in 1606.
This map was almost certainly commissioned by Ralph Sheldon (1537-1613), perhaps as a gift to his grandson when he married Elizabeth Petre in 1611.Brailes formed part of her jointure.
Around 1600 the manor of Chelmscote (within the parish of Brailes) was also held by Ralph Sheldon.
The manor of Winderton (also shown and part of Brailes parish ) was held by Francis Throckmorton.
Transcription of the Map - description
The Description, of the Maners, of Over Brayles, Nether Brayles, and Chemscote: with part of their confines: wherein they, the Demeane or Farme grounde the Waren, and their Intermixtures are Severallie distinguished.