Rare Old Map of County Down by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Belfast, Bangor, Newtownards, Holywood, and Strangford

This Old Map of Down by Samuel Lewis in 1844 showcases the historical boundaries of County Down, Ireland, providing a captivating glimpse into the past. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a true collector's item for history enthusiasts. While some modern cities may not be featured on this map, it offers the exciting opportunity to explore earlier names and settlements that once thrived within the region.

The map highlights the five main towns and cities of County Down during this era. Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland today, is depicted with its bustling harbor and emerging industrial landscape. Bangor, a popular seaside resort, is showcased with its picturesque coastline and historical Abbey. Newtownards, known for its rich history and proximity to Strangford Lough, is also prominently featured. Holywood, renowned for its ancient monastery and stunning views of Belfast Lough, adds to the map's allure. Lastly, Strangford, a quaint village nestled on the shores of Strangford Lough, completes the list of captivating destinations on this map.

Notable settlements and colonies founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of County Down are as follows:

• Newry (1144): This bustling town, situated on the River Clanrye, has a rich history and served as an important trading hub.
• Downpatrick (445): Known for its ancient cathedral and association with Saint Patrick, Downpatrick is a site of great historical and religious significance.
• Banbridge (1712): Founded as a market town, Banbridge later became an important center for linen production in the 19th century.
• Dundonald (1606): With its roots dating back to the early 17th century, Dundonald is notable for its historic castle and connections to Scottish settlers.
• Comber (1611): Established during the Plantation of Ulster, Comber is renowned for its rich agricultural heritage and the iconic Comber Potato.
• Donaghadee (1606): This coastal town, founded during the Plantation of Ulster, has a long history as a busy seaport and a strategic location for trade.
• Kilkeel (1660): Situated on the coast, Kilkeel has a strong maritime tradition and is known for its fishing industry.
• Ballynahinch (1612): Founded during the Plantation of Ulster, Ballynahinch is a historic market town with a charming streetscape and notable Georgian architecture.
• Hillsborough (1662): Home to Hillsborough Castle, the official residence of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, this Georgian village is steeped in history.
• Saintfield (1605): Established during the Plantation of Ulster, Saintfield is known for its picturesque village square and connection to the United Irishmen.
• Castlewellan (1740): This planned town is famed for its stunning Castlewellan Forest Park, encompassing a lake, gardens, and a Victorian castle.
• Portaferry (1659): Situated on the Ards Peninsula, Portaferry is a charming coastal town with a rich maritime heritage.

The historical events that unfolded in County Down between 1800 and 1850 include the following:

• The Battle of Ballynahinch (1798): During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the Battle of Ballynahinch took place in County Down, resulting in a significant defeat for the United Irishmen.
• The Great Famine (1845-1852): County Down, like the rest of Ireland, was deeply affected by the devastating Potato Famine, leading to widespread hunger, disease, and emigration.

Notable boundaries, rivers, and natural attractions in County Down include the Mourne Mountains, Strangford Lough, the River Bann, Tollymore Forest Park, and the Ring of Gullion. These breathtaking landscapes continue to captivate visitors to this day, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty that has shaped County Down's history.

Embrace the allure of the past with this Old Map of Down by Samuel Lewis in 1844, and immerse yourself in the fascinating history and remarkable landscapes of County Down, Ireland.

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), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), 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 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

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.