The "Sheet 3 - The Lake District" map, crafted by the esteemed JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a captivating artifact that beautifully encapsulates the geographical and historical essence of one of England's most picturesque regions. Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer, was celebrated for his meticulous attention to detail and innovative cartographic techniques. This map, part of his flagship half-inch to the mile series, exemplifies his dedication to precision and aesthetic excellence, making it a treasured piece for both historians and enthusiasts of cartography.
Bartholomew's map is distinguished by its use of layered color gradients to represent landscape relief, a technique that was both subtle and revolutionary for its time. The varying shades effectively convey the undulating topography of the Lake District, highlighting its majestic hills, valleys, and the rugged terrain that has captivated visitors for centuries. The map's design, based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map, ensures an accurate and visually appealing representation of the region, making it a valuable resource for cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century.
The map meticulously details the Lake District's natural landmarks, including its famous lakes such as Windermere, Ullswater, and Derwentwater, as well as prominent peaks like Scafell Pike, Helvellyn, and Skiddaw. These features are not only geographical highlights but also hold historical and cultural significance, having inspired countless poets, writers, and artists. The depiction of these natural wonders, alongside the region's intricate network of rivers and streams, provides a comprehensive overview of the area's breathtaking natural beauty.
In addition to its natural features, the map also highlights the region's rich historical tapestry. Castles and ancient ruins, such as Muncaster Castle, are prominently marked, offering a glimpse into the area's storied past. The inclusion of Roman roads and ancient pathways further enriches the historical context, illustrating the Lake District's significance as a crossroads of history and culture. The map's detailed representation of political boundaries, counties, and shires adds another layer of depth, showcasing the administrative divisions of the time.
The cities and towns depicted on the map, including Lancaster, Carlisle, Kendal, and Penrith, are presented with remarkable clarity, reflecting the region's vibrant human settlements. These towns, steeped in history, serve as gateways to the surrounding natural landscapes and historical landmarks. The map's careful attention to transportation routes, including railways and major roads, underscores the Lake District's accessibility and its importance as a destination for travelers and adventurers. This map is not just a navigational tool but a historical document that captures the essence of a beloved region in exquisite detail.
Cities and towns on this map:
Lancashire:
- Lancaster
- Morecambe
- Barrow-in-Furness
- Ulverston
- Carnforth
- Fleetwood
- Milnthorpe
Cumberland (modern-day Cumbria):
- Carlisle
- Whitehaven
- Workington
- Keswick
- Penrith
- Cockermouth
- Maryport
- Wigton
- Aspatria
Westmorland (modern-day Cumbria):
- Kendal
- Ambleside
- Windermere
- Grasmere
- Appleby
- Kirkby Stephen
Yorkshire:
Notable Features & Landmarks:
- Topographical features:
- Use of colour gradation to indicate different elevations.
- Detailed depiction of hills and valleys.
- Water bodies:
- Lakes: Windermere, Ullswater, Derwentwater, Coniston Water, and others.
- Rivers and streams are clearly marked.
- Transportation:
- Railways: Detailed railway lines crisscrossing the region.
- Roads: Major roads and pathways are depicted.
- Natural landmarks:
- Scafell Pike (highest peak in England).
- Helvellyn.
- Skiddaw.
- Forests and woodlands:
- Several forested areas marked in green.
- Historical landmarks:
- Castles and ruins (e.g., Muncaster Castle).
- Roman roads and ancient pathways.
- Recreational areas:
- Popular tourist spots marked.
- Geographical features:
- Coastal areas along the Irish Sea.
- Detailed depiction of the Lake District's rugged terrain.
Historical and design context:
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Name of the map: Sheet 3 - The Lake District
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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: JG Bartholomew
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Context about the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps. His work was highly regarded for its accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
- Purpose and popularity:
- These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists.
- Became Bartholomew's flagship series.
- Design and style:
- Distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief.
- Subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
- Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
- Historical significance:
- Reflects the early 20th-century interest in outdoor activities such as cycling and tourism.
- Provides insight into the cartographic techniques and aesthetic preferences of the 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.