Rare Old Map of County Londonderry by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Coleraine, Limavady, Magherafelt, Portstewart, and The Sperrin Mountains

This Old Map of Londonderry by Samuel Lewis in 1844 showcases the historical boundaries of County Londonderry, Ireland, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a captivating piece of history that will enhance any collection or adorn any wall.

One of the intriguing aspects of this map is that it predates the modern era, meaning that some cities and towns that exist today may not be featured. However, it also presents the opportunity to discover earlier names for certain locations, adding an exciting layer of historical context.

Within the historical boundaries of County Londonderry, Ireland, you will find a plethora of notable settlements that were founded before 1840. Here are 30 such settlements, ordered by modern-day population size:

• Derry (founded in 546): The largest city in County Londonderry, Derry is renowned for its rich history, including the famous Siege of Derry in 1689.
• Coleraine (founded in 1613): A vibrant town with a long history, Coleraine is known for its scenic beauty and its connection to the Giant's Causeway.
• Limavady (founded in 1610): Nestled in the Roe Valley, Limavady boasts a charming town center and is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes.
• Magherafelt (founded in 1821): A bustling market town, Magherafelt is home to a variety of historical landmarks and offers a vibrant cultural scene.
• Portstewart (founded in 1792): Situated on the stunning North Coast, Portstewart is famous for its picturesque harbor and beautiful sandy beaches.

Other notable settlements within County Londonderry, Ireland, include:

• Maghera (founded in 1610): A town steeped in history, Maghera is known for its ancient ruins and its connection to Irish folklore.
• Portrush (founded in 1797): A popular seaside resort, Portrush attracts visitors with its stunning coastal scenery and vibrant atmosphere.
• Castledawson (founded in 1610): Surrounded by lush countryside, Castledawson offers a peaceful retreat and is home to the renowned Moyola Golf Club.
• Draperstown (founded in 1780): Nestled in the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, Draperstown is a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes of the area.
• Moneymore (founded in 1610): A picturesque village with a rich heritage, Moneymore is home to the beautifully preserved Plantation-era Springhill House.

The historical boundaries of County Londonderry, Ireland, are also adorned with breathtaking natural features and landmarks. These include the majestic Sperrin Mountains, a range renowned for its scenic beauty and extensive walking trails. Additionally, the River Foyle gracefully winds its way through the county, offering stunning views and opportunities for water-based activities.

Between 1800 and 1850, County Londonderry, Ireland, experienced several significant historical events. These include the growth of the linen industry, which brought prosperity to the region, and the impact of the Great Famine, which had devastating consequences for the local population. The period also saw political and social changes, contributing to the complex tapestry of the county's history.

Owning this Old Map of Londonderry by Samuel Lewis in 1844 allows you to immerse yourself in the rich history and captivating landscapes of County Londonderry, Ireland. It is a remarkable piece that will not only serve as a beautiful decoration but also spark curiosity and conversation about the region's past.

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.