Rare Old Ordnance Survey Map, Sheet 12 - Keswick & Ambleside, 1925: Buttermere, Lake Windermere, Derwent Water, Ullswater, Lake District

This old map, titled "Sheet 12 - Keswick & Ambleside," is a valuable piece from Ordnance Survey's One-inch "Popular" edition, England and Wales, published in 1925. The map showcases the picturesque towns of Keswick and Ambleside, as well as several other notable locations and features in the surrounding area.

Why is this map amazing?

1. Historical Significance: This map provides a unique glimpse into the past, allowing you to explore the region as it appeared almost a century ago. It offers a fascinating perspective on the landscape, settlements, and transportation routes of the time.

2. Notable Locations: The map includes various towns, cities, and natural features that make it truly remarkable. While Keswick and Ambleside take center stage, other noteworthy places such as Buttermere, Lake Windermere, Derwent Water, Ullswater, and the Lake District are also depicted.

3. Tracing Modernity: It is important to note that some modern cities may not be present on this map, or they may be labeled under earlier names. This adds an element of excitement and discovery as you compare the map to the present-day landscape, observing how the region has evolved over time.

4. Historic County: Keswick and Ambleside, the main towns featured on this map, are located in the historic county of Cumberland. This region has a rich history, and the map provides an opportunity to explore its past in detail.

Major Settlements and Features:

• Keswick: A picturesque market town known for its stunning location within the Lake District National Park. It offers access to beautiful lakes, including Derwent Water and Bassenthwaite Lake.

• Ambleside: Nestled in the heart of the Lake District, Ambleside is a charming town surrounded by mountains and located near Lake Windermere. It serves as a gateway to many outdoor activities and scenic walks.

• Buttermere: A tranquil village situated between the lakes of Buttermere and Crummock Water. It is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

• Lake Windermere: The largest natural lake in England, Lake Windermere is renowned for its stunning scenery and recreational opportunities. It attracts visitors from far and wide, offering sailing, boating, and picturesque walks along its shores.

• Derwent Water: Surrounded by picturesque fells, Derwent Water is a stunning lake that captivates visitors with its serene beauty. It is a popular spot for water-based activities and offers breathtaking views.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• Lake District National Park: This renowned national park, located in Cumbria, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is characterized by its stunning lakes, mountains, and diverse flora and fauna.

• River Derwent: Flowing through the Lake District, the River Derwent is a notable waterway that adds to the region's natural beauty. It offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and scenic walks along its banks.

• Honister Pass: A mountain pass located in the Lake District, Honister Pass is known for its dramatic scenery and breathtaking views. It provides a challenging route for hikers and cyclists.

Historical Events:

1. The Great War (World War I): Occurring between 1914 and 1918, World War I had a significant impact on the region. Many local men enlisted in the armed forces, and the war brought about social and economic changes in Keswick, Ambleside, and the surrounding areas.

2. Suffragette Movement: In the early 1900s, the suffragette movement advocating for women's right to vote gained momentum. The Lake District was not exempt from this movement, and notable suffragette activities and protests occurred in the region.

Please note that the map's title includes the name of the map, "Sheet 12 - Keswick & Ambleside," and the names of five towns or locations featured on the map: Buttermere, Lake Windermere, Derwent Water, Ullswater, and the Lake District.

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), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). 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.

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.