"Sheet 32 - Sussex," crafted by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, stands as a testament to the meticulous artistry and precision of early 20th-century mapmaking. Bartholomew, renowned for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps, created this half-inch to the mile scale map (1:126,720) to cater to the needs of cyclists and tourists. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, showcasing the region of Sussex in the British Isles with unparalleled clarity and detail.

The design of this map is particularly noteworthy for its innovative use of color to represent landscape relief. Different layers of color bands subtly gradate to show land at various heights, providing a vivid and informative representation of the terrain. The South Downs, with their rolling chalk hills, are prominently featured, along with other natural landmarks such as Beachy Head's iconic chalk cliffs and the lush expanse of Ashdown Forest. The map's aesthetic appeal is matched by its functional design, making it a prized possession for both collectors and history enthusiasts.

Sussex's rich historical tapestry is woven into the map, highlighting significant landmarks and events. The site of the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror's forces triumphed in 1066, is marked near Hastings. Castles like Bodiam and Arundel stand as majestic reminders of the region's medieval heritage. The map also traces the intricate network of rivers, including the Ouse, Arun, and Adur, which have shaped the landscape and history of Sussex over centuries.

In addition to its historical landmarks, the map meticulously details the infrastructure of early 20th-century Sussex. An extensive railway network crisscrosses the region, connecting bustling towns and serene countryside. Major roads and highways are clearly delineated, reflecting the growing importance of transportation in an era of increasing mobility. The map also captures the serene beauty of the English Channel coastline, with notable features such as the Isle of Thorney and Cuckmere Haven.

The cities and towns of Sussex, from the vibrant Brighton to the quaint Rye, are prominently featured, providing a snapshot of the region's urban landscape at the turn of the century. Each settlement, from the bustling port of Newhaven to the historic town of Lewes, is meticulously plotted, offering a glimpse into the lives and communities that have thrived in Sussex. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, preserving the legacy of a region rich in natural beauty and historical significance.

Cities and towns on this map

• Brighton (modern-day population: approximately 290,000)
• Hastings (modern-day population: approximately 92,000)
• Eastbourne (modern-day population: approximately 103,000)
• Worthing (modern-day population: approximately 110,000)
• Crawley (modern-day population: approximately 112,000)
• Bexhill (modern-day population: approximately 43,000)
• Horsham (modern-day population: approximately 55,000)
• Haywards Heath (modern-day population: approximately 34,000)
• Burgess Hill (modern-day population: approximately 30,000)
• Lewes (modern-day population: approximately 17,000)
• Arundel (modern-day population: approximately 3,500)
• Rye (modern-day population: approximately 4,500)
• Battle (modern-day population: approximately 6,000)
• Newhaven (modern-day population: approximately 12,000)
• Shoreham-by-Sea (modern-day population: approximately 20,000)
• Littlehampton (modern-day population: approximately 27,000)
• East Grinstead

Notable Features & Landmarks

• National Parks and Major Parks:
• South Downs (an area of chalk hills)
• Historic Landmarks and Historical Events:
• Battle of Hastings (1066) site near Hastings
• Bodiam Castle
• Arundel Castle
• Natural Features:
• The English Channel coastline
• Beachy Head (noted for its chalk cliffs)
• High Weald (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
• Ashdown Forest
• River Ouse
• River Arun
• River Adur
• Infrastructure:
• Extensive railway network
• Major roads and highways
• Other:
• Isle of Thorney
• Pevensey Levels (wetland area)
• Cuckmere Haven

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 32 - Sussex
• Scale and popularity:
• The map is at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720)
• Popular with cyclists and tourists and became Bartholomew's flagship series
• Design and style:
• Distinctive for using different layers of color to represent landscape relief
• Subtle and innovative gradation of color bands used to show land at different heights
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher:
• Created by J.G. Bartholomew
• Bartholomew was a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps
• Based on:
• The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period
• Themes and topics:
• Detailed political and physical map
• Shows landscape relief, roads, railways, and physical features
• Regions shown:
• Covers the region of Sussex in the British Isles
• Historical significance:
• Reflects early 20th-century cartographic techniques and the importance of detailed maps for travel and tourism
• Provides historical insight into the geography and infrastructure of Sussex at the turn of the century

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.

This map is also available as a float framed canvas, sometimes known as a shadow gap framed canvas or canvas floater. The map is printed on artist's cotton canvas and then stretched over a handmade box frame. We then "float" the canvas inside a wooden frame, which is available in a range of colours (black, dark brown, oak, antique gold and white). This is a wonderful way to present a map without glazing in front. See some examples of float framed canvas maps and explore the differences between my different finishes.

For something truly unique, this map is also available in "Unique 3D", our trademarked process that dramatically transforms the map so that it has a wonderful sense of depth. We combine the original map with detailed topography and elevation data, so that mountains and the terrain really "pop". For more info and examples of 3D maps, check my Unique 3D page.