Old maps provide a rich source of information and insight for all those interested in the history of their locality. They are also a popular field for collectors and they fascinate many others. They abound in record offices and archive, and are frequently to be found on sale in antique shops and in catalogues of specialists dealers. A Comprehensive guide to their provenance, content, accuracy, location and uses was furnished by the first edition of this book published in 1988 (under the title ‘Maps for Local History’), which quickly established itself as the standard work. After some years out of print, it has now been fully revised and updated in this improved new edition.
Dr Hindle’s approach is pre-eminently practical. He describes the different types of map produced, explains what they intended to show, and most importantly, where to find them. From the earliest cartographic depictions of Britain, he follows the development of the map from Saxton’s county plans through to the Ordnance Survey. Estate plans, enclosure and tithe maps, town plans and transport maps are all described and illustrated in the context of their relevance to all users of historic maps.
Nearly one hundred illustrations support the text, showing examples of every type of map discussed and demonstrating the rich variety of ways in which maps represent a source of historical evidence. Essential reference information is conveniently collected in the updated bibliography, enhancing the vale of a book which has already established an unrivalled reputation among local historians and historical geographers and is certain, in this more attractive new edition, to enjoy even wider popularity among collectors and all who are intrigued by old maps.
Contents:
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1. Early Maps of Britain
Chapter 2. County Maps
- Saxton and the early county maps
- Large scale county surveys
Chapter 3. Estate4s, Enclosure and Tithe Maps
- Estate maps
- Enclosure maps
- Tithe maps
Chapter 4. Town Plans
- Speed and other early plans
- Maps of London
- Other towns
- Specialised town plans
- Where to find town plans
Chapter 5. Transport Maps
- Road maps
- Canal maps
- Coastal maps
- Railway maps
Chapter 6. Ordnance Survey Maps
- One-inch maps
- Six-inch and twenty-five-inch maps
- Large scale town plans
- Maps at other scales
Appendix: Scales
Bibliography
Index
