Step into the past with the exquisite "Sheet 5 - North Lancashire & Isle of Man," a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901. Known as "the Prince of Cartographers," Bartholomew's work is celebrated for its meticulous detail and innovative design. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was crafted at a half-inch to the mile scale, making it a prized possession for cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century. The map offers a captivating glimpse into the historical geography of North Lancashire and the Isle of Man, regions rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.
The map's design is a testament to Bartholomew's cartographic prowess, featuring a nuanced gradation of color bands to represent landscape relief. This technique not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also provides a clear and intuitive understanding of the terrain. The lush greens and earthy browns delineate the rolling hills and valleys, while the subtle blues trace the rivers and coastlines. This visual representation is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring both accuracy and artistic finesse.
North Lancashire, depicted in intricate detail, is a region steeped in history and natural splendor. The map highlights significant landmarks such as the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic Furness Abbey. The River Lune and River Wyre meander through the landscape, emptying into the expansive Morecambe Bay. The coastal town of Fleetwood and the bustling city of Lancaster are also prominently featured, offering a snapshot of the region's vibrant communities and their historical contexts.
The Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency, is equally well-represented on this map. Dominated by the imposing Snaefell mountain, the island's topography is rendered with precision, showcasing its rugged beauty. Notable landmarks such as Peel Castle and Castle Rushen stand as testaments to the island's rich history. The map also highlights the island's transport infrastructure, including the key port of Douglas and the iconic Point of Ayre Lighthouse, guiding mariners through the Irish Sea.
This map is not just a navigational tool but a window into the past, capturing the essence of a bygone era. It reflects the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the leisure pursuits of the time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of fine cartography, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-crafted maps, "Sheet 5 - North Lancashire & Isle of Man" is a remarkable piece that brings history to life.
Cities and towns on this map
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North Lancashire:
- Lancaster
- Blackpool
- Morecambe
- Preston
- Blackburn
- Fleetwood
- Carnforth
- Garstang
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Isle of Man:
- Douglas
- Ramsey
- Peel
- Castletown
- Port Erin
- Port St Mary
Notable Features & Landmarks
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National Parks and Major Parks:
- Forest of Bowland
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Historic Landmarks:
- Furness Abbey
- Peel Castle (Isle of Man)
- Castle Rushen (Isle of Man)
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Rivers and Water Bodies:
- River Lune
- River Wyre
- Morecambe Bay
- Irish Sea
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Mountains and Hills:
- Snaefell (Isle of Man)
- Bowland Fells
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Transport Infrastructure:
- Railways: Multiple railway lines crisscrossing the region
- Ports: Douglas (Isle of Man)
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Other Notable Features:
- Lighthouses: Point of Ayre Lighthouse (Isle of Man)
- Coastal features: Laxey Wheel (Isle of Man)
Historical and design context
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Map scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
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Date of creation: 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 innovative maps. He was often referred to as "the Prince of Cartographers" and was instrumental in the development of thematic cartography.
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Usage: Popular with cyclists and tourists
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Design and style:
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Landscape relief: Uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief with a gradation of color bands to show land at different heights
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Base map: Reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period
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Countries and regions shown:
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North Lancashire: A historic county in the North West of England
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Isle of Man: A self-governing British Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland
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Themes:
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Political and physical map: Detailed depiction of political boundaries, physical geography, and topography
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Historical significance:
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Tourism and cycling: Reflects the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century
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Cartographic innovation: Represents a significant advancement in map design and usability
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.