Rare Old Ordnance Survey Map, Sheet 26 - Harrogate, 1925: Otley, Ilkley, Skipton, Knaresborough, Nidderdale AONB

This remarkable map, titled "Sheet 26 - Harrogate," is part of the renowned One-inch "Popular" edition of Ordnance Survey maps for England and Wales, published in 1925. The map showcases the historic town of Harrogate and its surrounding areas, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. Alongside Harrogate, this map features the towns of Otley, Ilkley, Skipton, Knaresborough, and the stunning Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

Why is this map so amazing? Let me tell you!

1. Historical Significance: This map allows you to explore Harrogate and its neighboring towns as they were in 1925, capturing a snapshot of a bygone era. It provides a unique opportunity to compare the past with the present, as some modern cities may not be included, or may appear under earlier names.

2. Detailed Cartography: The Ordnance Survey maps are renowned for their meticulous attention to detail, and this map is no exception. It offers a wealth of information, including roads, railways, rivers, boundaries, and various landmarks, enabling you to delve into the region's rich history and geography.

Harrogate, located in the historic county of Yorkshire, is a prominent feature on this map. It was a popular spa town renowned for its healing waters, attracting visitors from far and wide. Now, let's explore some of the other major settlements and features depicted on this extraordinary map:

Major Settlements and Features:

• Otley: A historic market town situated in the picturesque Wharfedale, known for its beautiful countryside and charming architecture.
• Ilkley: Nestled on the southern edge of the Yorkshire Dales, Ilkley is famous for its moorland, spa heritage, and the iconic Ilkley Moor.
• Skipton: Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Dales," Skipton is a vibrant market town with a well-preserved medieval castle and a bustling canal.
• Knaresborough: This enchanting town is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and boasts a stunning viaduct, ancient castle ruins, and the famous Mother Shipton's Cave.
• Nidderdale AONB: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Nidderdale is a haven of rolling hills, picturesque valleys, and charming villages, offering breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• River Nidd: Meandering through the region, the River Nidd adds scenic beauty to the landscape, with its tranquil waters and charming riverside walks.
• Yorkshire Dales National Park: Located close to Skipton and Ilkley, this national park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering stunning limestone scenery, waterfalls, and captivating wildlife.
• Wharfedale: Situated near Otley, this picturesque valley is renowned for its stunning landscapes, charming villages, and the meandering River Wharfe.

Historical Events (within 20 years before 1925):

• First World War (1914-1918): The impact of the Great War was felt throughout the region, with many local men serving in the armed forces and the home front playing a crucial role in supporting the war effort.
• Suffragette Movement: The early 20th century witnessed the suffragette movement's fervent struggle for women's right to vote. This map captures a time when these significant social and political changes were underway.

Immerse yourself in the past with this captivating map, and uncover the secrets, history, and natural beauty of Harrogate and its surrounding towns. It's a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, cartography aficionados, and anyone captivated by the allure of the past.

(Note: The product title includes the name of the map, "Sheet 26 - Harrogate," and the names of five towns or locations featured on the map: Otley, Ilkley, Skipton, Knaresborough, and Nidderdale AONB.)

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.