Sheet 9 - Sheffield, created by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of the central and northern regions of England. This map, part of Bartholomew's renowned Half-Inch to the Mile series, captures the intricate details of the landscape with remarkable precision. Bartholomew, a Scottish cartographer celebrated for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps, designed this map with both tourists and cyclists in mind, making it not only a tool for navigation but also a work of art. The map's innovative use of color gradation to depict elevation provides a vivid and intuitive understanding of the terrain, setting it apart from other maps of its time.
The map's design is a testament to early 20th-century cartographic excellence, combining political and physical features with an elegant clarity that has made Bartholomew's maps highly sought after. The different layers of color used to represent landscape relief create a subtle yet striking visual effect, highlighting the varied topography of the region. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that every hill, valley, and river is accurately depicted, offering a comprehensive view of the natural and man-made features that define the area.
Among the notable features on this map are the Peak District National Park, Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall, and Bolsover Castle, each steeped in history and cultural significance. The map also traces the courses of major rivers such as the Don, Rother, Derwent, and Trent, which have shaped the region's geography and history. The inclusion of transport infrastructure like the Midland Railway and Great Central Railway underscores the importance of these routes in the early 20th century, facilitating travel and commerce across the region.
The cities and towns depicted on the map, including Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, Chesterfield, and Worksop, are presented with a level of detail that reflects their significance during the period. Sheffield, in particular, stands out as a major industrial hub, known for its steel production and vibrant economy. The surrounding towns and villages, each with their unique histories and contributions to the region's development, are meticulously charted, providing a snapshot of the area's urban landscape at the turn of the century.
Bartholomew's Sheet 9 - Sheffield is not just a map; it is a historical document that offers a window into the past. It captures the essence of the region's geography, from the rolling hills and verdant valleys to the bustling cities and tranquil rivers. This map is a celebration of the rich tapestry of natural and human history that defines central and northern England, making it a valuable addition to any collection of historical maps.
Cities and towns on this map
- Yorkshire:
- Sheffield (Modern-day population: ~584,853)
- Barnsley (Modern-day population: ~91,297)
- Rotherham (Modern-day population: ~109,691)
- Doncaster (Modern-day population: ~109,805)
- Wakefield
- Huddersfield
- Leeds
- Derbyshire:
- Chesterfield (Modern-day population: ~103,788)
- Nottinghamshire:
- Worksop (Modern-day population: ~41,820)
- Retford (Modern-day population: ~22,013)
- Greater Manchester
- Manchester
- Oldham
- Rochdale
- Burnley
- Macclesfield
Notable Features & Landmarks
- National Parks and Major Parks:
- Peak District National Park
- Historic Landmarks and Historical Events:
- Chatsworth House
- Hardwick Hall
- Bolsover Castle
- Sherwood Forest
- Natural Features:
- River Don
- River Rother
- River Derwent
- River Trent
- Hills and Peaks:
- Kinder Scout
- Mam Tor
- Stanage Edge
- Transport and Infrastructure:
- Midland Railway
- Great Central Railway
- Canals (e.g., Chesterfield Canal)
- Other Notable Features:
- Ladybower Reservoir
- Derwent Reservoir
- Howden Reservoir
- Ashopton Viaduct
- Snake Pass
- Winnats Pass
Historical and design context
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Name of the map: Sheet 9 - Sheffield
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Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
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Creation date: 1901
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Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
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Context about the mapmaker: J.G. Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps. His works were widely used by tourists and cyclists.
- Themes and topics shown on the map:
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Political and physical landscape: The map highlights both political boundaries and physical features.
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Relief representation: Uses different layers of color to depict landscape relief, with a gradation of color bands to show land at different heights.
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Tourism and cycling: Popular with cyclists and tourists due to its clear and attractive presentation.
- Design and style:
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Color gradation: Innovative use of color bands to represent elevation.
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Detailing: Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring high accuracy.
- Historical significance:
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Bartholomew's flagship series: These maps were a significant part of Bartholomew's map series, known for their clarity and utility.
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Early 20th-century cartography: Represents the state of cartographic knowledge and technology at the beginning of the 20th 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.