Rare Old Map of Devon by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Paignton, and Barnstaple

Experience a journey into the past with this exquisite 1844 map of Devonshire by renowned cartographer Samuel Lewis. This stunning relic from the Victorian era is steeped in the rich history of the county, revealing its settlements, geographical features, and historical events. From the bustling cities of Exeter and Plymouth to the picturesque towns along the River Dart, the map paints a vivid picture of Devon's landscape nearly two centuries ago. A treasure for history buffs, cartography enthusiasts, and Devonians alike, it provides a fascinating glimpse into a time when the county's modern cities were either in their infancy or yet to be founded, and some locations might exist under their earlier names.

What makes this map truly remarkable is not just the depth and detail with which it depicts Devonshire, but also its historical significance. Dating back to the mid-19th century, this authentic document offers a snapshot of Devon's settlements and geographical landmarks as they existed prior to significant urban expansion and industrial development. In an age before satellite imagery and GPS technology, Lewis's map is an impressive feat of cartography that faithfully captures Devon's intricate geographical details and vast array of settlements.

Settlements included on this map, ordered by modern day population size:

• Exeter (founded as a Roman fort in AD 55) - Known for its stunning cathedral and rich history.
• Plymouth (founded 1254) - Historic seafaring city and departure point of the Mayflower.
• Torquay (founded 1196) - Famed for its stunning coastline, known as the English Riviera.
• Paignton (records date back to 1086) - A seaside town noted for its zoo and beachfront.
• Barnstaple (founded 930) - The oldest borough in the United Kingdom.
• Newton Abbot (records date back to 1246) - Known for its annual cheese and onion fair.
• Tiverton (founded in the 7th century) - Notable for its historical wool trade.
• Bideford (founded 1272) - Historic port town.
• Exmouth (early references in 12th century) - Known for its seafront and marina.
• Sidmouth (founded before 1086) - A town famous for its Regency architecture.
• Ilfracombe (mentioned in records in 1086) - A seaside resort and harbour.
• Teignmouth (founded before 1044) - Known for its historic port.
• Tavistock (chartered in 1105) - The birthplace of Sir Francis Drake.
• Dawlish (referred to in Domesday book of 1086) - A traditional seaside resort.
• Crediton (founded pre 909) - The historical seat of the first Bishops of Devon.
• Cullompton (settled prehistoric times, town established by 9th century) - Noted for its historic market.
• Totnes (founded pre 907) - Known for its Norman castle.
• Brixham (mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086) - A fishing town with a rich maritime history.
• Honiton (founded pre Roman times) - Renowned for its lace making.
• Kingsbridge (first recorded in 962) - Located in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• Ivybridge (referred to in documents from 1280) - Known for its paper mills and the beautiful Ivy Bridge.
• Great Torrington (chartered 1340) - Known for its historic connections to the English Civil War.
• Dartmouth (founded pre 12th century) - Known for Dartmouth Castle and its picturesque harbour.
• Ashburton (first recorded 1086) - Ancient stannary town located within Dartmoor National Park.
• Buckfastleigh (referred to in Domesday Book of 1086) - Noted for its historic woollen mill industry.
• Chudleigh (chartered in 1309) - Famous for the Great Fire of Chudleigh in 1807.
• Salcombe (recorded in 1244) - Known for its watersports and as a yachting haven.
• Beer (founded pre-Roman) - Noted for its picturesque cliffs and Quarry Caves.
• Ottery St Mary (referred to in Domesday Book of 1086) - Known for its 'Tar Barrels' tradition.
• Budleigh Salterton (noted in Domesday Book of 1086) - A quaint coastal town known for its pebble beach.

Notable boundaries, rivers, canyons, national parks, and natural phenomena within Devonshire:

• Dartmoor National Park: Known for its moorlands, granite hilltops, and prehistoric sites.
• Exmoor National Park: Famous for its rugged coastline and heather moorlands.
• The Jurassic Coast: A World Heritage Site known for its cliffs and fossil sites.
• River Exe: A major river that flows through the heart of Devon.
• River Dart: Known for its scenic beauty and Dartmouth, its estuary town.

Historical events between 1800 and 1850:

• The opening of the historic Plymouth Dockyard in 1824, a major catalyst for the town's growth.
• The construction of the Tamar Bridge linking Devon to Cornwall in 1859.
• The arrival of the railway in Devon in 1844, which greatly enhanced communication and trade.

So, whether you're a history enthusiast or a lover of Devon, this map provides an exciting and insightful exploration into the past of this remarkable county.

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: 8x10in (20.5x25.5cm), 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm) and 37x50in (94x127cm), 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 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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 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.