Rare Old OS Map of Liverpool & Manchester by Bartholomew, 1901: Mersey, Pennine Hills, Peak District, Chester, Railways

Step into the past with the exquisite "Sheet 8 - Liverpool & Manchester," a masterful creation by the renowned cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901. This map, a part of Bartholomew's flagship series, offers a captivating glimpse into the early 20th-century landscape of England, meticulously detailing the regions around Liverpool and Manchester. Known for his precision and aesthetic finesse, Bartholomew's work stands as a testament to the golden age of cartography, where each map was not only a tool for navigation but also a piece of art.

The map's design is both functional and beautiful, employing a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720) that was particularly popular among cyclists and tourists of the era. What sets this map apart is its innovative use of colour gradation to represent landscape relief, a technique that provides a subtle yet clear depiction of the land's varying heights. This method, based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map, showcases Bartholomew's commitment to both accuracy and visual appeal, making it a prized possession for any map enthusiast.

Exploring the map, one can trace the intricate network of rivers, including the iconic River Mersey, the River Weaver, and the River Dee, each winding its way through the lush countryside. The Manchester Ship Canal and the Bridgewater Canal are also prominently featured, highlighting the region's industrial heritage. The extensive railway network, meticulously drawn, underscores the rapid industrialization and connectivity of the early 1900s, offering a snapshot of a transformative period in British history.

The map's coverage extends across various counties, including Lancashire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, and Greater Manchester, each dotted with cities and towns that have grown and evolved over the past century. From the bustling ports of Liverpool to the industrial heart of Manchester, and the serene landscapes of the Pennine Hills and the Peak District, this map captures a diverse and dynamic region. Notable parks such as Sefton Park and Stanley Park in Liverpool, and Birkenhead Park, add a touch of greenery to the urban sprawl, reflecting the balance between nature and development.

Historically significant, this map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a cultural artifact, offering insights into the socio-economic landscape of early 20th-century England. The detailed depiction of industrial areas, docks, and transport routes provides a window into the past, illustrating the region's pivotal role in the Industrial Revolution. Owning this map is akin to holding a piece of history, a tangible connection to the world as it was over a century ago, crafted by one of the most esteemed cartographers of his time.

Cities and towns on this map

Lancashire

• Liverpool
• Manchester
• St Helens
• Southport
• Wigan
• Bolton
• Bury
• Burnley
• Blackburn
• Preston
• Oldham
• Rochdale
• Salford
• Stockport
• Warrington
• Widnes
• Chorley
• Leigh
• Heywood
• Accrington
• Rawtenstall
• Darwen
• Ormskirk
• Skelmersdale
• Lytham St Annes
• Fleetwood
• Colne
• Nelson
• Clitheroe

Cheshire

• Chester
• Crewe
• Macclesfield
• Northwich
• Winsford
• Congleton
• Nantwich
• Runcorn
• Ellesmere Port
• Wilmslow

Derbyshire

• Glossop
• Buxton
• New Mills
• Whaley Bridge

Greater Manchester

• Ashton-under-Lyne
• Altrincham
• Sale
• Hyde
• Denton
• Stretford
• Urmston
• Eccles
• Swinton
• Radcliffe
• Middleton
• Chadderton

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• River Mersey
• River Weaver
• River Dee
• River Bollin
• Canals:
• Manchester Ship Canal
• Bridgewater Canal
• Railways:
• Extensive railway network connecting various towns and cities.
• Parks:
• Sefton Park
• Stanley Park
• Birkenhead Park
• Hills and Elevations:
• Pennine Hills
• Peak District (partially visible)
• Water Bodies:
• Irish Sea
• Mersey Estuary
• Various small lakes and reservoirs
• Roads:
• Major roads connecting Liverpool and Manchester
• Industrial Features:
• Docks in Liverpool
• Industrial areas around Manchester

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 8 - Liverpool & Manchester
• Scale and design:
• A clear, attractive, and colourful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• Popular with cyclists and tourists, it became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Interesting context: JG Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer, was instrumental in advancing the art of cartography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His maps were known for their precision and aesthetic appeal.
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Detailed political and physical features.
• Emphasis on landscape relief and topography.
• Coverage of infrastructure, including roads and railways.
• Countries and regions shown on the map:
• The map covers parts of England, specifically the regions around Liverpool and Manchester.
• Design or style context:
• The map is designed in a landscape format and covers an area of 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• The use of colour gradation to represent different elevations was innovative for its time.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the early 20th-century cartographic techniques and the importance of detailed mapping for cyclists and tourists.
• Provides insight into the infrastructure and landscape of the Liverpool and Manchester regions during the early 1900s.

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.