Rare Old OS Map of Lincoln Fens, Lincolnshire by Bartholomew, 1901: Boston, Spalding, River Witham, The Wash, Fens, Car Dyke

"Sheet 14 - Lincoln Fens," crafted by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful depiction of the Lincolnshire region in England. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was designed at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720), making it a favorite among cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century. The map's vibrant colors and meticulous detail provide a window into the past, showcasing the intricate network of roads, railways, rivers, and coastlines that defined the area. Bartholomew's innovative use of color gradation to represent landscape relief is particularly striking, offering a nuanced view of the region's topography.

Bartholomew, renowned for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps, based this creation on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period. His work is celebrated for its clarity and precision, and "Sheet 14 - Lincoln Fens" is no exception. The map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, capturing the essence of the Lincoln Fens at the turn of the 20th century. The inclusion of various drainage ditches and canals, such as the South Forty-Foot Drain and the North Forty-Foot Drain, highlights the extensive efforts to manage the fenland's water levels.

The map is rich with notable features, including the River Witham, the River Welland, and the Fossdyke Navigation, which have played crucial roles in the region's history and development. The Wash, a large estuary, is prominently displayed, along with its sand and shingle banks and surrounding salt marshes. These natural phenomena are meticulously detailed, reflecting Bartholomew's commitment to accuracy and his deep understanding of the landscape. The map also features ancient Roman infrastructure, such as the Car Dyke, adding a layer of historical depth.

In addition to its physical features, the map provides a comprehensive view of the human settlements that dotted the Lincoln Fens. Towns like Boston, Spalding, and Sleaford are clearly marked, offering insight into the region's urban development. Smaller villages and hamlets, such as Holbeach, Donington, and Kirton, are also depicted, showcasing the area's rich tapestry of communities. This detailed representation of settlements underscores the map's value as both a practical tool and a historical artifact.

The historical significance of "Sheet 14 - Lincoln Fens" extends beyond its geographical accuracy. It captures a moment in time when the region was undergoing significant changes, both in terms of infrastructure and landscape management. The map's design and style, characterized by its clear delineation of physical and political features, reflect the cartographic excellence of JG Bartholomew. This map is not just a navigational aid but a piece of history, offering a glimpse into the past and the intricate details that shaped the Lincoln Fens.

Cities and towns on this map

• Boston
• Spalding
• Sleaford
• Holbeach
• Donington
• Kirton
• Heckington
• Billingborough
• Swineshead
• Gosberton
• Quadring
• Bicker
• Pinchbeck
• Surfleet
• Weston
• Moulton
• Cowbit
• Deeping St Nicholas
• Rippingale
• Dowsby
• Horbling
• Pointon
• Sempringham
• Aslackby
• Threekingham
• Osbournby
• Burton Pedwardine
• Helpringham
• Great Hale
• Little Hale
• North Kyme
• South Kyme
• Ewerby
• Howell
• Anwick
• Ruskington
• Dorrington
• Digby
• Rowston
• Scopwick
• Blankney
• Metheringham
• Timberland
• Martin
• Woodhall Spa
• Tattershall
• Coningsby
• Billinghay
• Walcot
• Thorpe Latimer
• Great Ponton
• Little Ponton
• Stoke Rochford
• Easton
• Colsterworth
• Skillington
• Sproxton
• Saltby
• Croxton Kerrial
• Harlaxton
• Barrowby
• Grantham

Notable Features & Landmarks

• River Witham
• River Welland
• Fossdyke Navigation
• The Wash (a large estuary)
• South Forty-Foot Drain
• North Forty-Foot Drain
• Car Dyke (an ancient Roman canal)
• The Fens (fenland areas)
• Boston Deeps (part of The Wash)
• Holland Fen
• West Fen
• East Fen
• Bicker Haven
• The Haven (a tidal river)
• Sand and shingle banks in The Wash
• Salt marshes along the coast
• Marshland areas
• Railways (various lines)
• Major roads (various routes)
• Drainage ditches and canals (various)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 14 - Lincoln Fens
• Scale and popularity: A clear, attractive and colourful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720). These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Relief representation: The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands used to show land at different heights.
• Source: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/publisher: JG Bartholomew, a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps.
• Themes shown on the map: Political and physical features, including landscape relief, roads, railways, rivers, and coastlines.
• Countries and regions shown: The map focuses on the Lincoln Fens area in England.
• Design and style: The map exhibits a detailed and colourful design, characteristic of Bartholomew's work, with clear delineation of physical and political features.
• Historical significance: This map provides a snapshot of the Lincoln Fens area at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting the geography and infrastructure of the time.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.