93 Smith / Benjamin Rees Davies 1822

REVISED 2023

The Exeter Pocket Journal, later Exeter Journal, was first published in the eighteenth century in Exeter by Andrew Brice, and the earliest extant copy is dated 1755 (Bodleian Library, Oxford) as The EXETER pocket journal; or, West Country gentleman and tradesman's memorandum-book for the year of our Lord, 1755. Andrew Brice was a colourful character and the story of his life is well worth reading. He established one of Exeter´s earliest newpspapers and his Postmaster or Loyal Mercury appeared 1717-18. A variety of publications followed.[1]

The Exeter Pocket Journal had been taken over by Robert Trewman and Son by 1790 and a few examples are known.[2] The first issue known to include a map is the 1816 edition, when a map of Devon and Cornwall was included (83). This map was replaced in the 1822 edition by a close copy of the Gardner map produced for Charles Smith the same year (91) which may explain the unusual imprint re-sculpsit. The map contains some new information: Plymouth Breakwater is shown and part of the Bude Canal is drawn together with the anticipated line of the Grand Western Canal. The inner border is graduated and broken by Lundy, the north coast and Prawle Point. Various other differences to the Gardner map include Dartmoor prisoner of war camp being shown, distances are given to Devonport (not Plymouth), the hundreds are listed and the scale bar is now drawn separately.

The map was signed by two local engravers, Smith and Lewis, and a London engraver Davies. Nothing is known about Smith and the term “re-sculpsit” is unusual: perhaps implying the addition of local knowledge. Benjamin Rees Davies, on the other hand, was an extremely well-known and proficient engraver who engraved for all the larger publishers in London. He was born circa 1789 and was an apprentice to John Lodge (52). He died in London in 1872, aged 83.[3]

The term "re-sculpsit" does not appear often and here it appears twice. The map was signed Lewis Exeter resculpsit before its insertion in the 1839 issue. George Herbert Lewis was engraver, copperplate printer and lithographer but also advertised bankers notes, cheques and other documents as well as seals, arms, crests and office brass plates. He was baptised at Clayhanger on 27th November 1801 and was active from 1825. He died relatively early in 1844 and his business was carried on by his wife Jane Lewis. The British Library has a plan of Exeter and Exmouth Railway of c.1850 which has been ascribed to her.[3a] 

The Exeter Pocket Journal, became the Exeter Journal in 1826 or 1827 and was published annually. The map was probably not included every year and is not usually called for on the title page. Discrepancies regarding signatures and imprint may be a result of old stock being used for later editions.

An overview of publication:

The Exeter Pocket Journal Or, West-Country Gentleman’s and Tradesman’s Memorandum-Book For the Year of Our Lord published by Trewman & Co. - DevA has copies for the years 1822 and 1825.

From 1826 or 1827 The Exeter Journal; or … Annual Accompt Book until 1833 published by Trewman & Co. - DevA has all except 1829.

In 1834 it was The Exeter Journal; or  now published by Robert John Trewman – DevA.

In 1835 it was The Exeter Journal, with an almanack and ephemeris - DevA.

From 1836 to 1842 it was The Exeter Journal and Annual Companion published by Robert John Trewman - DevA has all copies. (No copy for 1843 recorded.)

In 1844 it was The Exeter Journal; or complete book of reference for the West of England published by Robert John Trewman – DevA.

From 1845 to 1847 it was The Exeter Journal published by Robert John Trewman - DevA has all copies.

From 1848 to 1857 it was The Exeter Journal and Almanack published by Robert John Trewman - DevA has all copies. Issues 1856 and 1857 also with … with a memorandum and account book. DEI also has these issues.[4]

In 1858 Henry Besley acquired the Journal and introduced new maps (128).

Size 190 x 225 mm.  Scale of Miles (20 = 50 mm).

DEVONSHIRE. Imprint: Published by Trewman & Co. expressly for the Exeter Pocket Journal (CeOS). Signatures: Smith. Exeter. re-sculpsit. (AeOS) and Davies fe. 31 Compton Str. Brunsk. Squ. London. (EeOS). Distances to both Exeter and Devonport.