# William Camden, Britain, or, a Chorographicall Description of the most flourishing Kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland

> online edition of Philemon Holland's 1610 English translation of William Camden's 'Britannia'

**Wikidata**: [Q106382010](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q106382010)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/william-camden-britain-or-a-chorographicall-description-of-the-most-flourishing-kingdomes-england-scotland-and-ireland

## Summary
William Camden, Britain, or, a Chorographicall Description of the most flourishing Kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland is an online edition of Philemon Holland's 1610 English translation of William Camden's 'Britannia', hosted on the Vision of Britain through Time website. This digital resource provides access to a foundational work of British chorography and antiquarian scholarship. The edition is available in English and can be accessed at https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Camden.

## Key Facts
- Author: William Camden
- Translator: Philemon Holland
- Original work: Britannia (1607)
- English translation: 1610
- Online edition: Hosted on Vision of Britain through Time website
- URL: https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Camden
- Language: English
- Instance of: Version, edition or translation, website
- Published in: A Vision of Britain through Time
- Distribution format: Website

### Q: What is William Camden, Britain, or, a Chorographicall Description of the most flourishing Kingdomes, England, Scotland, and Ireland?
A: It is an online edition of Philemon Holland's 1610 English translation of William Camden's 'Britannia', hosted on the Vision of Britain through Time website. This digital resource provides access to a foundational work of British chorography and antiquarian scholarship.

### Q: Who translated the work into English?
A: Philemon Holland translated William Camden's 'Britannia' into English in 1610.

### Q: Where can I access this online edition?
A: The online edition is available at https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/travellers/Camden on the Vision of Britain through Time website.

## Why It Matters
William Camden's 'Britannia' is a seminal work in British historiography and antiquarian studies, providing a comprehensive topographical and historical survey of Great Britain and Ireland. The 1610 English translation by Philemon Holland made this important work accessible to a wider audience, significantly influencing English scholarship and national identity. The online edition hosted by Vision of Britain through Time democratizes access to this historical resource, allowing researchers, students, and history enthusiasts to explore Camden's detailed descriptions of Britain's geography, antiquities, and cultural heritage. This digital availability ensures that Camden's influential work continues to inform and inspire studies in British history, geography, and cultural studies in the digital age.

## Notable For
- First comprehensive chorographic description of Great Britain and Ireland
- Influential in shaping English antiquarian scholarship and national identity
- Made accessible to English readers through Philemon Holland's translation
- Provides detailed historical and topographical information on British counties
- Continues to be a valuable resource for historians and researchers through its online edition

## Body
### Historical Context and Significance
William Camden's 'Britannia' was first published in Latin in 1586 and went through multiple editions, with the 1607 edition being the basis for Philemon Holland's English translation. This work represented a groundbreaking approach to British history and geography, combining meticulous research with detailed descriptions of the country's antiquities, natural features, and cultural landmarks.

### The Translation by Philemon Holland
Philemon Holland's 1610 English translation of 'Britannia' played a crucial role in making Camden's work accessible to a broader English-speaking audience. Holland, known for his translations of other classical and contemporary works, brought Camden's detailed descriptions and scholarly insights to readers who might not have had access to the original Latin text.

### The Online Edition
The Vision of Britain through Time website hosts this important historical work, providing a digital platform for accessing Camden's 'Britannia'. This online edition ensures that scholars, students, and interested readers can explore the text without the need for physical access to rare book collections. The digital format also allows for easier searching and cross-referencing within the text, enhancing its utility for research purposes.

### Content and Structure
Camden's 'Britannia' is structured as a detailed survey of Great Britain and Ireland, covering each county or region in turn. The work includes descriptions of geographical features, historical events, notable buildings, and local customs. It also incorporates discussions of Roman and pre-Roman Britain, reflecting the antiquarian interests of the time.

### Impact on British Scholarship
The publication of 'Britannia' and its subsequent English translation had a profound impact on British scholarship. It set a new standard for topographical and historical writing, influencing generations of antiquarians and historians. The work's emphasis on empirical observation and documentary evidence helped to establish more rigorous methodologies in historical research.

### Accessibility and Modern Relevance
The online edition of Holland's translation makes this important historical text accessible to a global audience. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers in various fields, including history, geography, literature, and cultural studies. The digital format also allows for the integration of this historical text with modern mapping and research tools, potentially opening up new avenues for interdisciplinary studies.