Rare Old Map of Herefordshire by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Ledbury, Leominster, Ross-on-Wye, Bromyard, Hay-on-Wye

This Old Map of Herefordshire by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical landscape of the county. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a true collector's item for history enthusiasts and cartography aficionados alike.

Featuring the County of Herefordshire in the mid-19th century, this map showcases the five main towns and cities of the region, each with its own unique charm. Ledbury, known for its timber-framed buildings and historic market, is a delightful town to explore. Leominster, with its medieval streets and striking architecture, retains its timeless appeal. Ross-on-Wye, situated on the banks of the River Wye, offers breathtaking views and a rich history. Bromyard, a market town with a medieval past, exudes a quaint and traditional atmosphere. Lastly, Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its annual literary festival and picturesque setting, captivates visitors with its charm.

This map provides a window into the past, allowing us to discover the towns, cities, counties, settlements, and colonies that existed within the historical boundaries of Herefordshire before 1840. Here are 30 notable settlements, ordered by modern-day population size, that were founded before 1840 within the county's boundaries:

• Hereford (730 AD): The county town of Herefordshire, known for its magnificent cathedral and historic architecture.
• Leominster (660 AD): A market town with a rich medieval heritage, featuring timber-framed buildings and a striking priory.
• Ross-on-Wye (700 AD): Situated on the banks of the River Wye, this charming town offers stunning views and a wealth of history.
• Ledbury (691 AD): Known for its picturesque streets and timber-framed buildings, Ledbury is a delightful market town.
• Bromyard (840 AD): A historic market town with a medieval past, boasting a range of architectural treasures.
• Kington (1200 AD): Nestled on the border with Wales, Kington is a small market town with a rich agricultural heritage.
• Hay-on-Wye (1200 AD): Famous for its annual literary festival, this town is a haven for book lovers and history enthusiasts.
• Hereford Cathedral (1079 AD): A magnificent cathedral with a fascinating history, including the renowned Mappa Mundi.
• Leominster Priory (660 AD): A striking priory with a rich history, featuring beautiful Norman and Gothic architecture.
• Goodrich Castle (1101 AD): A medieval castle perched atop a hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
• Wigmore Castle (1066 AD): The ruins of a once-mighty castle, steeped in history and surrounded by picturesque landscapes.
• Berrington Hall (1778 AD): A stunning Georgian mansion set in landscaped gardens, showcasing the elegance of the era.
• Croft Castle (14th century): A medieval fortress turned stately home, boasting impressive architecture and beautiful gardens.
• Hampton Court Castle (15th century): A magnificent castle with stunning gardens, offering a glimpse into the past.
• Belmont Abbey (1859 AD): A Benedictine monastery with a rich spiritual heritage, set amidst tranquil surroundings.
• Hellens Manor (11th century): A historic manor house with Tudor and Jacobean features, steeped in legend and folklore.
• Weobley (1200 AD): A picturesque village with a wealth of historic buildings, including a medieval church and timber-framed houses.
• Pembridge (1200 AD): Known for its half-timbered houses and medieval market hall, Pembridge is a quintessentially English village.
• Eardisland (1200 AD): A charming village with a medieval bridge and a wealth of historic buildings, nestled in the picturesque countryside.
• Lyonshall (1200 AD): A small village with a medieval church and timber-framed houses, offering a glimpse into the past.
• Dilwyn (1200 AD): A tranquil village with a beautiful church and a rich agricultural history, surrounded by scenic landscapes.
• Ewyas Harold (1200 AD): A village with a Norman church and a fascinating history, located in the stunning Golden Valley.
• Canon Pyon (1200 AD): A peaceful village with a historic church and traditional cottages, offering a glimpse of rural life.
• Kimbolton (1200 AD): A charming village with a medieval church and delightful countryside views, perfect for peaceful walks.
• Kingsland (1200 AD): A picturesque village with a historic church and a range of charming cottages, set amidst rolling hills.
• Wellington (1200 AD): A small village with a historic church and a tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by scenic beauty.
• Lingen (1200 AD): A remote village with a medieval church and stunning views, nestled in the Herefordshire countryside.
• Pudleston (1200 AD): A peaceful village with a historic church and idyllic surroundings, offering a serene escape.
• Yarpole (1200 AD): A delightful village with a medieval church and a strong sense of community, set in picturesque landscapes.
• Aymestrey (1200 AD): A charming village with a historic church and a peaceful ambiance, nestled in the Lugg Valley.
• Marden (1200 AD): A small village with a medieval church and a rich agricultural heritage, surrounded by scenic beauty.

While some modern cities may not appear on this map, or may be listed under earlier names, this only adds to the allure of this historical artifact. The boundaries, rivers, canyons, national parks, and natural phenomena depicted on this map provide a fascinating insight into the landscape that has shaped Herefordshire over the centuries.

Between 1800 and 1850, Herefordshire witnessed several notable historical events. These include the establishment of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire Canal in 1798, which played a crucial role in the county's transportation and trade. Additionally, the Agricultural Revolution brought significant changes to the county's farming practices, leading to increased productivity and innovation in the agricultural sector.

Owning this Old Map of Herefordshire by Samuel Lewis allows you to immerse yourself in the county's rich history, explore its towns and cities, and appreciate the beauty of its landscapes. It is a remarkable piece of cartographic art that captures the essence of Herefordshire in 1844, making it a truly captivating addition to any collection.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of UK and Ireland maps.

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.