Rare Old OS Map of Carmarthenshire by Bartholomew, 1901: Brecon Beacons, Llandeilo, River Towy, Cardigan Bay, Black Mountain, Llyn y Fan Fach

Sheet 22 - Carmarthen, created by the esteemed cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a captivating glimpse into the landscape and settlements of early 20th-century Wales. Bartholomew, often hailed as "the Prince of Cartographers," brought his unparalleled expertise to this map, which showcases the intricate political and physical geography of the region. His innovative use of color gradation to represent elevation and landscape relief is a testament to his pioneering spirit in the field of cartography. This map is not just a navigational tool but a work of art, reflecting the beauty and complexity of the Welsh terrain.

The map covers a significant expanse from the coastal beauty of Cardigan Bay to the rugged interior landscapes of Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, Cardiganshire, and Brecknockshire. It meticulously details the flow of major rivers such as the Towy, Teifi, Usk, and Taf, which carve their way through the verdant countryside. The inclusion of lakes like Llyn y Fan Fach and the extensive Brechfa Forest adds to the map's rich depiction of natural features. The Black Mountain (Y Mynydd Du) and Mynydd Epynt stand prominently, showcasing the region's varied topography.

Bartholomew's map is also a historical document, capturing the essence of early 20th-century Welsh life. It highlights significant historical landmarks such as Carreg Cennen Castle and Dinefwr Castle, which are steeped in centuries of history. The map's detailed representation of the Great Western Railway line and main roads underscores the importance of these transportation routes in connecting towns and facilitating commerce. This map was not only a tool for travelers and tourists but also a reflection of the region's historical and cultural heritage.

The towns and cities marked on this map, including Llanelli, Carmarthen, Ammanford, and Brecon, offer a snapshot of the human settlements that dotted the Welsh landscape over a century ago. Each town is a gateway to the past, revealing the patterns of settlement and development that have shaped modern Wales. The map's careful attention to detail ensures that each settlement, from bustling market towns to serene coastal villages, is represented with precision and clarity.

This map is a treasure trove of geographical and historical information, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Its depiction of natural phenomena, such as the Brecon Beacons National Park and the sweeping valleys and hills, invites viewers to explore the rich and diverse landscape of Wales. JG Bartholomew's legacy as a master cartographer is evident in every inch of this map, making it a timeless piece that continues to inspire and educate.

Cities and towns on this map

• Carmarthenshire:
  
• Carmarthen
  
• Llandeilo
• Llandovery
  
• St Clears
• Newcastle Emlyn
• Laugharne
• Whitland
• Pembrokeshire:
• Narberth
• Crymych
• Cardiganshire:
• Lampeter
• Aberaeron
• Tregaron
• Brecknockshire:
• Brecon
• Builth Wells
• Hay-on-Wye

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• River Towy
• River Teifi
• River Usk
• River Taf
• River Cothi
• Lakes:
• Llyn y Fan Fach
• Forests:
• Brechfa Forest
• Hills and Mountains:
• Black Mountain (Y Mynydd Du)
• Mynydd Epynt
• Mynydd Myddfai
• Railways:
• The Great Western Railway line
• Roads:
• Main roads connecting major towns and cities
• Historical landmarks:
• Carreg Cennen Castle
• Dinefwr Castle
• Parks:
• Brecon Beacons National Park (partial coverage)
• Coastal features:
• Cardigan Bay
• Bridges:
• Llandeilo Bridge

Historical and design context

• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context on mapmaker: John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer, often referred to as "the Prince of Cartographers." He brought significant innovations to cartography, including the use of color layers to represent elevation.
• Topics and themes:
• Political and physical map: The map showcases both political boundaries and physical geography.
• Landscape relief: Uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief, with a subtle gradation of color bands to show land at different heights.
• Design and style:
• Color gradation: Innovative use of color bands to indicate elevation and landscape relief.
• Clear and attractive: Designed to be visually appealing and easy to read, making it popular with cyclists and tourists.
• Historical significance:
• Tourism and cycling: These maps were particularly popular among cyclists and tourists in the early 20th century.
• Cartographic innovation: Represents a significant advancement in the visual representation of terrain and elevation.

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.