Rare Old OS Map of Berkshire by Bartholomew, 1901: Reading, Windsor, Thames, Windsor Castle, Downs, Chilterns

Sheet 29 - Berkshire, created by the esteemed J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a stunning example of early 20th-century cartography. Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer, was celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative use of color. This map, part of his flagship half-inch to the mile series, showcases the intricate political and physical landscape of Berkshire with unparalleled clarity. The map's vibrant color layers, used to depict varying elevations, not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also provide a practical tool for cyclists and tourists of the Edwardian era.

The design of this map is a testament to Bartholomew's cartographic genius. Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map, it combines accuracy with an artistic touch. The subtle gradation of color bands to represent different heights is particularly noteworthy, reflecting the landscape relief with a precision that was groundbreaking at the time. The map’s clear, attractive presentation made it a favorite among travelers, who relied on its detailed depictions of roads, railways, and natural features to navigate the picturesque county of Berkshire.

Berkshire, a county rich in history and natural beauty, is vividly brought to life on this map. The River Thames meanders gracefully through the landscape, while the Berkshire Downs and Chiltern Hills provide a dramatic backdrop. Windsor Great Park and Savernake Forest are prominently featured, offering a glimpse into the lush greenery that characterizes the region. Historic landmarks such as Windsor Castle, White Horse Hill, and Uffington Castle are meticulously marked, inviting the viewer to explore the storied past of this enchanting county.

The map also highlights the intricate network of transportation routes that crisscross Berkshire. Major railways and stations are clearly delineated, reflecting the importance of rail travel in the early 1900s. Key roads and routes are meticulously plotted, providing a comprehensive view of the county’s connectivity. The Kennet and Avon Canal, a vital waterway, is also prominently featured, underscoring its significance in the region’s transportation history. This level of detail not only serves practical purposes but also offers a fascinating insight into the infrastructure of the time.

Cities and towns such as Reading, Windsor, Maidenhead, and Newbury are prominently displayed, each with its unique historical and cultural significance. Smaller settlements like Eton, Ascot, and Henley-on-Thames are also marked, painting a complete picture of Berkshire’s diverse urban landscape. The inclusion of notable features like Henley Bridge and the Kennet and Avon Canal further enriches the map, making it a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike. This map is not just a navigational tool; it is a window into the past, capturing the essence of Berkshire in a way that few other documents can.

Cities and towns on this map

• Reading
• Windsor
• Maidenhead
• Newbury
• Wokingham
• Bracknell
• Abingdon
• Didcot
• Hungerford
• Wallingford
• Thatcham
• Faringdon
• Lambourn
• Pangbourne
• Cookham
• Eton
• Ascot
• Tilehurst
• Crowthorne
• Mortimer
• Twyford
• Sonning
• Wargrave
• Burghfield
• Finchampstead
• Woolhampton
• Kintbury
• Cholsey
• Sunningdale
• Henley-on-Thames

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• The River Thames
• The River Kennet
• Hills and highlands:
• The Berkshire Downs
• The Chiltern Hills
• Forests and woods:
• Windsor Great Park
• Savernake Forest
• Transportation:
• Major railways and stations
• Key roads and routes
• Historic landmarks:
• Windsor Castle
• White Horse Hill
• Silbury Hill
• Uffington Castle
• Natural parks and reserves:
• Windsor Forest
• Bridges:
• Henley Bridge
• Canals:
• The Kennet and Avon Canal

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 29 - Berkshire
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: J.G. Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps. His work was highly regarded for its accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
• Themes and topics shown on the map:
• Political and physical landscape: The map provides detailed political boundaries and physical features such as hills and rivers.
• Cyclists and tourists: These maps were popular among cyclists and tourists due to their clear and attractive design.
• Landscape relief: The map uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief, with innovative gradation of color bands to show land at different heights.
• Design and style:
• Color layers: Distinctive use of color layers to represent elevation and terrain.
• Ordnance Survey base: Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring accuracy.
• Historical significance:
• Popular series: This map was part of Bartholomew's flagship series, which became a standard for detailed and attractive maps in the early 20th century.
• Tourism and travel: Reflects the increasing popularity of cycling and tourism during the Edwardian era.

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.