For example, Chart 751, the chart of Maculla Bay in the first published catalogue of 1825, bears a survey date of 1703. Nineteenth-century charts in particular may include ground plans of sites of archaeological interest, and details of coastal forts and other defences, as well as recording natural features. Insets may provide detailed charts of harbours. Admiralty charts record names given to coastal features and include many names no longer in use today. They are useful, too, for their depiction of small oceanic islands, for which they often provide the best and most easily accessible map.
Some charts map navigable rivers, and are so identified in the means of reference.
Where to Find Admiralty Charts Numerous Admiralty charts have been identified in the public records, and many more remain as yet undiscovered. The best collection of printed Admiralty Charts is held by the Map Library of the British Library. The Hydrographic Department of the Ministry of Defence in Taunton holds a further collection of both printed and MS charts as well as surveyors' reports, Remark Books and correspondence with the Hydrographer of the Navy. If you require a large number of charts, or specific editions, it is best to use the collections in the British Library or one of the other legal deposit libraries. The Hydrographic Office is an authorised place of deposit for its own records, which have public record status.