Rare Old Map of Hertfordshire by Samuel Lewis, 1844: St Albans, Watford, Hemel Hempstead, Stevenage, Hitchin

This Old Map of Hertfordshire by Samuel Lewis in 1844 is a captivating piece of cartographic history that offers a glimpse into the past. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a remarkable addition to any collection. The map showcases the County of Hertfordshire in 1844, highlighting its main towns, cities, and other interesting features. It provides a fascinating perspective on the region's historical landscape, allowing you to explore the county as it was during the mid-19th century. It is important to note that while some modern cities may not be depicted on this map, others may appear under earlier names, adding an exciting element of discovery. The Old Map of Hertfordshire by Samuel Lewis in 1844 reveals a wealth of notable settlements that were founded before 1840 and located within the historical boundaries of the county. Here are 30 such settlements, ordered by modern-day population size, along with a brief description of their significance and the year they were founded:

• St Albans (Roman city with medieval heritage, known for its cathedral): Founded in 43 AD.
• Watford (Historic market town with a rich brewing heritage): Founded in the 12th century.
• Hemel Hempstead (Ancient market town with a preserved medieval core): Founded in the 8th century.
• Stevenage (First post-war new town in the UK): Founded in the 11th century.
• Hitchin (Historic market town with medieval architecture): Founded in the 7th century.
• Bishop's Stortford (Market town with a Norman castle ruin): Founded in the 11th century.
• Hertford (County town with a Norman castle): Founded in the 10th century.
• Cheshunt (Historic town with Tudor and Jacobean heritage): Founded in the 12th century.
• Welwyn Garden City (Garden city with unique urban planning): Founded in 1920.
• Letchworth Garden City (World's first garden city): Founded in 1903.
• Hoddesdon (Historic market town with a preserved coaching inn): Founded in the 11th century.
• Borehamwood (Town with a thriving film and television industry): Founded in the 12th century.
• Harpenden (Affluent commuter town with Victorian and Edwardian architecture): Founded in the 10th century.
• Rickmansworth (Town with a canal system and a nature reserve): Founded in the 13th century.
• Potters Bar (Town known for its pottery industry in the 17th century): Founded in the 13th century.
• Bushey (Town with a rich artistic heritage and art deco architecture): Founded in the 13th century.
• Royston (Market town with medieval cave systems): Founded in the 12th century.
• Ware (Historic market town with a riverside setting): Founded in the 9th century.
• Baldock (Market town with medieval roots): Founded in the 7th century.
• Radlett (Village known for its affluent residential area): Founded in the 19th century.
• Croxley Green (Village with a nature reserve and a Grand Union Canal connection): Founded in the 13th century.
• South Oxhey (Large estate built after World War II): Founded in the 20th century.
• London Colney (Village with a Roman history and nature reserves): Founded in the 1st century AD.
• Hatfield (Historic town with a royal palace and Hatfield House): Founded in the 10th century.
• Broxbourne (Village with a riverside location and a country park): Founded in the 11th century.
• Aldbury (Picturesque village with a preserved medieval character): Founded in the 11th century.
• Kings Langley (Village with a royal palace ruin and a canal system): Founded in the 13th century.
• Redbourn (Village with a medieval church and a historic coaching inn): Founded in the 9th century.
• Cuffley (Village with a rural atmosphere and a nature reserve): Founded in the 13th century.
• Sandridge (Village with a Norman church and Roman history): Founded in the 1st century AD.

Notable boundaries, rivers, and natural phenomena in County of Hertfordshire, England:

• River Lea
• River Colne
• Chiltern Hills
• Ashridge Estate
• Verulamium Park
• Aldenham Country Park
• Lee Valley Park
• Tring Reservoirs
• Hatfield Park
• Gadebridge Park
• Cassiobury Park

Between 1800 and 1850, Hertfordshire witnessed several significant historical events, including advancements in agriculture and the industrial revolution. The county played a crucial role in the development of the railway network, with the opening of the London and Birmingham Railway in 1837, which passed through Watford and Hemel Hempstead. Additionally, Hertfordshire experienced the growth of its market towns and the expansion of industries such as brewing and silk production during this period.

Own a piece of history with the Old Map of Hertfordshire by Samuel Lewis in 1844, and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and captivating landscapes of this remarkable county.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

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

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of UK and Ireland maps.

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.

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about The Unique Maps Co.

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

Map ageing

I have been asked hundreds of times over the years by customers if they could buy a map that looks even older.

Well, now you can, by selecting Aged before you add a map to your basket.

All the product photos you see on this page show the map in its Original form. This is what the map looks like today.

If you select Aged, I will age your map by hand, using a special and unique process developed through years of studying old maps, talking to researchers to understand the chemistry of aging paper, and of course... lots of practice!

If you're unsure, stick to the Original colour of the map. If you want something a bit darker and older looking, go for Aged.

See some amazing examples of Aged maps.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 4,000 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.