Rare Old Map of Northumberland by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Newcastle upon Tyne, Blyth, Cramlington, Ashington, and Bedlington

Delve into the past with this antique map of Northumberland, meticulously crafted by Samuel Lewis in 1844. Steeped in history, this piece offers an unparalleled look at the county during a time of significant social, economic, and geographic change. Embodying both the spirit of its era and the timeless beauty of cartography, the map stands as a testament to the rich history of Northumberland, a region marked by settlements that date back to the Roman era.

Given its age, the map features some settlements under earlier names, adding an extra layer of excitement for the keen historian. Some modern cities may not be present, reflecting the evolving landscape and the region's dynamic growth over time. With its crisp lines and intricate detailing, this 1844 map isn't just a snapshot of the past—it's a piece of art and a historical document combined.

Notable Settlements:

1. Newcastle upon Tyne (1080): Established as a fort and bridge by the Romans and later turned into a major settlement by the Normans, today it's Northumberland's most populous city.
2. Blyth (12th century): Originating as a port town, Blyth has evolved into a significant commercial hub known for its vibrant harbour.
3. Cramlington (1135): Originally a small village with an agricultural economy, Cramlington is now a bustling town known for its industries.
4. Ashington (1847): Known for its coal mining heritage, Ashington was referred to as "the world's largest coal-mining village."
5. Bedlington (early 12th century): Noted for its ironworks and nail making industry in the 19th century, it was a significant industrial town.
6. Berwick-upon-Tweed (c. 1018): The northernmost town in England, known for its turbulent history with alternating Scottish and English rule.
7. Hexham (AD 674): Renowned for Hexham Abbey, it's one of the oldest surviving Christian foundations in Britain.
8. Prudhoe (1150): Known for Prudhoe Castle, a fine example of a Norman fortification.
9. Morpeth (1199): A historic market town, known for its unique blend of heritage and beauty.
10. Amble (1200s): Once a major seaport, Amble is now a popular holiday town known for its marina and beautiful beaches.
11. Alnwick (c. 600 AD): Famous for Alnwick Castle, a filming location for the Harry Potter series.
12. Ponteland (13th century): Known for its beautiful rural landscapes and Ponteland Castle.
13. Haltwhistle (1200s): Claimed to be the geographic center of Britain and is close to the Roman Hadrian's Wall.
14. Bellingham (early 13th century): Gateway to the Northumberland National Park, it's known for its natural beauty.
15. Wylam (12th century): Birthplace of George Stephenson, a pioneering railway engineer.
16. Corbridge (AD 786): Known for its Roman archaeological site, the Corbridge Roman Town.
17. Allendale Town (1700s): Celebrated for the Allendale Tar Bar'l, a unique New Year's Eve tradition.
18. Seaton Delaval (11th century): Home to the architecturally impressive Seaton Delaval Hall.
19. Alnmouth (1150): Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and vibrant harbour scene.
20. Warkworth (8th century): A charming village dominated by the medieval Warkworth Castle.
21. Rothbury (8th century): Known for its beautiful landscapes and as a gateway to Northumberland National Park.
22. Bamburgh (c. 420): Known for the imposing Bamburgh Castle and beautiful beaches.
23. Wooler (1100s): A picturesque market town, it's the gateway to the Cheviot Hills.
24. Felton (12th century): Home to a thriving arts and crafts scene, located near the stunning Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
25. Otterburn (1086): Known for the Battle of Otterburn that occurred in 1388.
26. Longhoughton (1100s): Features beautiful coastlines and access to some of the best beaches in Northumberland.
27. Elsdon (12th century): Home to a preserved medieval fortified vicarage and an 11th-century motte-and-bailey castle.
28. Bardon Mill (1820s): Located close to Vindolanda, one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites.
29. Heddon-on-the-Wall (early 13th century): Known for its section of the Roman Hadrian's Wall.
30. Lynemouth (1800s): Once a coal mining village, it's now known for its power station.

Natural Attractions:

• Northumberland National Park: Offering some of the most pristine landscapes in the UK.
• Cheviot Hills: Rolling hills marking the border between England and Scotland.
• Hadrian's Wall: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it's one of Britain's most significant remnants of the Roman period.
• Northumberland Coast AONB: Known for its outstanding natural beauty, featuring dunes, cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Historical Events (1800-1850):

• 1804-1806: The construction of the Union Chain Bridge, the first vehicular suspension bridge in the world.
• 1825: The opening of the Stanhope and Tyne Railroad, enhancing the coal transportation system.
• 1838: The establishment of the Newcastle and Carlisle Railway, promoting trade and travel.
• 1844: The year this map was created, marking a period of significant geographic change and development in Northumberland.

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: 8x10in (20.5x25.5cm), 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm) and 37x50in (94x127cm), 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 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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 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.