Rare Old OS Map of Herefordshire by Bartholomew, 1901: Hereford, Abergavenny, Cheltenham, River Wye, Black Mountains, Forest of Dean, Malvern Hills

"Sheet 23 - Hereford," created by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterpiece of early 20th-century cartography. Bartholomew, known for his innovative and detailed maps, crafted this half-inch to the mile scale map (1:126,720) with cyclists and tourists in mind. The map's clarity, attractiveness, and vibrant colours made it a flagship series for Bartholomew, and it remains a treasured piece for collectors and history enthusiasts. This particular map offers a detailed political and physical representation of Herefordshire and its surrounding regions, providing a window into the landscape and infrastructure of the British Isles over a century ago.

Bartholomew's distinctive style shines through in this map, with its innovative use of colour layers to represent landscape relief. The subtle gradation of colour bands effectively illustrates the varying heights of the land, making the map not only a practical tool for navigation but also a work of art. Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, it captures the essence of the region's topography with remarkable precision. The map's design reflects the advanced cartographic techniques of the time, showcasing Bartholomew's dedication to both aesthetic appeal and functional accuracy.

The map covers a landscape stretching 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east, encompassing a rich tapestry of natural and man-made features. Prominent among these are the River Wye, winding its way through the region, and the Black Mountains, standing majestically in the west. The Forest of Dean and the Malvern Hills add to the map's natural beauty, while the Golden Valley and Hatterall Ridge provide further geographical interest. These features are not merely decorative; they offer a glimpse into the region's diverse and picturesque landscape, which has long attracted visitors and residents alike.

In addition to its natural features, the map highlights significant cultural and historical landmarks. Goodrich Castle and Raglan Castle stand as testaments to the region's medieval past, while Llanthony Priory offers a glimpse into the religious history of the area. Offa's Dyke, an ancient earthwork marking the border between England and Wales, is another notable feature. The map also includes Hereford Cathedral, a focal point of the city of Hereford, and Symonds Yat, a scenic viewpoint along the River Wye. These landmarks enrich the map, providing historical context and adding depth to its visual appeal.

The towns and cities depicted on the map, such as Hereford, Leominster, and Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire, and Monmouth, Abergavenny, and Chepstow in Monmouthshire, reflect the region's vibrant human settlements. Each town and city has its own unique history and character, contributing to the overall tapestry of the map. The network of roads, railways, and bridges shown on the map illustrates the infrastructure that connected these communities, facilitating trade, travel, and communication. This detailed representation of human settlements and infrastructure underscores the map's historical significance, offering a snapshot of life in the British Isles at the turn of the 20th century.

Cities and towns on this map

• Herefordshire:
• Hereford: The largest settlement on the map, known for its cathedral.
• Leominster: Another significant town in Herefordshire.
• Kington: Small market town in the western part of Herefordshire.
• Ross-on-Wye: Market town located by the River Wye.
• Bromyard: Small town in the northeastern part of Herefordshire.

• Ledbury: Market town in the eastern part of Herefordshire.

• Monmouthshire:

• Monmouth: Historic town located at the confluence of the River Monnow and River Wye.
• Abergavenny: Market town at the edge of the Black Mountains.
• Chepstow: Town located near the River Wye, known for its castle.
• Usk: Small town located by the River Usk.
• Raglan: Village known for its castle.
• Caldicot: Town in the southeastern part of Monmouthshire

• Gloucestershire
• Cheltenham
• Gloucester
• Tewkesbury
• Worcester

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural Features:
• River Wye: Prominent river flowing through the map.
• Black Mountains: Mountain range visible in the western part of the map.
• Forest of Dean: Woodland area in the southeastern part of the map.
• Malvern Hills: Hills located towards the northeastern part of the map.
• River Monnow: Another significant river, flowing through the southwestern part of the map.
• Hatterall Ridge: A notable ridge in the western part of the map.

• Golden Valley: A picturesque valley in the western part of the map.

• Infrastructure:

• Railways: Several railway lines crisscrossing the map.
• Roads: A network of roads connecting various towns and villages.
• Bridges: Various bridges crossing the rivers, notably over the River Wye.

• Canals: Some canal routes are marked on the map.

• Cultural and Historical Landmarks:

• Goodrich Castle: Historic castle near the River Wye.
• Llanthony Priory: Ruins of a medieval priory in the Black Mountains.
• Raglan Castle: Another historic castle located in the southern part of the map.
• Offa's Dyke: Ancient earthwork running along the border between England and Wales.
• Hereford Cathedral: Prominent cathedral located in Hereford.
• Symonds Yat: Scenic viewpoint along the River Wye.

Historical and design context

• The map is at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• Created by JG Bartholomew in 1901.
• Bartholomew was a renowned cartographer known for his innovative and detailed maps.
• The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Uses a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
• Reflects the cartographic techniques and geographical knowledge of the early 20th century.
• Provides insight into the landscape and infrastructure of the British Isles during that period.

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.

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.