The "Historical Map of England and Wales," crafted by the esteemed cartographer L.G. Bullock in 1958, is a masterful blend of art and history. This pictorial map not only charts the geographical features of England and Wales but also weaves a rich tapestry of their historical narratives. Bullock's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the inclusion of cities, roads, castles, churches, and other significant landmarks. Each element is carefully illustrated, providing a visual journey through the storied past of these regions. The map's decorative cartouche and compass rose add an elegant touch, making it a timeless piece of cartographic art.
Bullock's creation is more than just a map; it is a historical document that captures the essence of England and Wales. The annotations scattered throughout the map highlight famous battles, such as those involving Boadicea, and significant events like the Domesday Book. These historical notes provide context and depth, transforming the map into a narrative of the past. The inclusion of coats of arms around the map's edge further enriches its historical value, offering a glimpse into the heraldic traditions of various cities.
The geographical features depicted on the map are as diverse as they are detailed. From the winding rivers like the Thames and Severn to the rugged coastlines and islands, Bullock's map showcases the natural beauty of England and Wales. The topography is illustrated pictorially, with mountains and valleys rendered in a style that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing. This approach not only highlights the physical landscape but also emphasizes the regions' historical significance.
Cities and towns are prominently featured, each marked with precision and care. Major urban centers like London, Birmingham, and Manchester are clearly visible, alongside smaller yet historically significant towns. The map also highlights key roads, connecting these settlements and illustrating the intricate network of travel routes that have shaped the regions' development. The detailed depiction of castles and churches adds another layer of historical context, showcasing the architectural heritage that defines much of England and Wales.
In addition to its historical and geographical richness, the map is a visual delight. The vibrant illustrations of ships and sea creatures in the surrounding waters, along with the decorative elements, make it a captivating piece. Bullock's skill as a cartographer and artist is evident in every detail, from the ornate compass rose to the meticulously drawn landmarks. This map is not just a tool for navigation but a work of art that invites viewers to explore and appreciate the rich history and diverse landscapes of England and Wales.
Cities and towns on this map
- England:
- London
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Bristol
- Coventry
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Kingston upon Hull
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Southampton
- Portsmouth
- Plymouth
- Derby
- Wolverhampton
- Oxford
- Norwich
- York
- Peterborough
- Luton
- Sunderland
- Brighton
- Blackpool
- Reading
- Stockport
- Ipswich
- Oldham
- Warrington
- Huddersfield
- Middlesbrough
- Wigan
- Birkenhead
- Southend-on-Sea
- Swindon
- Dudley
- Gloucester
- Watford
- Rotherham
- Chester
- Woking
- Cheltenham
- Basildon
- Eastbourne
- Crawley
- Gillingham
- Worcester
- Hastings
- Burnley
- Basingstoke
- Bedford
- Wakefield
- Darlington
- Grimsby
- Hartlepool
- Chatham
- Hemel Hempstead
- Lincoln
- St Albans
- Bath
- Halifax
- Nuneaton
- Chesterfield
- Carlisle
- Harrogate
- Guildford
- Shrewsbury
- Stafford
- Scarborough
- Telford
- Hereford
- Evesham
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Droitwich
- Dover
- Sandwich
- Margate
- Colchester
- Canterbury
- Ramsgate
-
Hastings
-
Wales:
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Newport
- Wrexham
- Bangor
- Carmarthen
- Aberystwyth
- Llandudno
- Holyhead
- Fishguard
- Pembroke
- Caernarfon
- Brecon
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Haverfordwest
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Depictions of historical events and battles
- Illustrations of castles, churches, and significant buildings
- Decorative ships and sea creatures in the surrounding water
- Landmarks:
- Numerous castles and churches are marked and illustrated
- Bodies of water:
- Rivers (e.g., Thames, Severn)
- Lakes
- Coastal features
- Borders:
- The coastline of England and Wales
- Mountains:
- Illustrated topographical features representing mountainous areas
- Other notable features:
- Coats of arms of cities around the edge of the map
- Historical annotations and notes throughout the map
Historical and design context
-
Name of the map: Historical Map of England and Wales
-
Creation Date: 1958
-
Mapmaker/Publisher: L.G. Bullock
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Cities and towns
- Roads
- Castles and churches
- Topography
- Bodies of water, drainage, and coastlines
- Islands and ports
- Historical notes (e.g., famous battles, significant events)
- Coats of arms
- Design or style of the map:
- Thematic and pictorial
- Relief shown pictorially
- Legend and compass rose
- Decorative cartouche
- Historical significance or context:
- Visual representation of the historical landscape of England and Wales
- Valuable resource for understanding historical geography and significant events
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 100in (250cm). 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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.