Rare Old Map of Somerset, England by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Bristol, Bath, Weston-super-Mare, Taunton, and Yeovil

Step back in time with this captivating historical map of Somerset, England, carefully crafted by Samuel Lewis in 1844. This piece of history is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, cartographers, and connoisseurs of unique, high-end collectibles. It offers a rare glimpse into the early settlements and geographical features of Somerset County, some of which are the ancestors of the bustling modern cities and charming towns of today.

While some modern cities may not be visible on this map, it's intriguing to discover those that are, often under earlier names. This map beautifully juxtaposes the then and now, offering a unique opportunity to trace the transformation and growth of this rich region.

• Bristol (10th Century) - Once one of the most important ports in England, Bristol thrived in shipbuilding and maritime trade.
• Bath (Roman-era) - Known for its ancient Roman-built baths, this city is a world heritage site with roots tracing back to the Roman period.
• Weston-super-Mare (Mid 13th Century) - A popular seaside town known for its long sandy beaches and grand pier.
• Taunton (7th Century) - The county town of Somerset, it houses the Taunton Castle that dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era.
• Yeovil (8th Century) - A town famed for its rich history in aircraft and defense industries.
• Bridgwater (10th Century) - Noted for its large carnival, and as the gateway to the Quantock Hills.
• Frome (685 AD) - Famous for its market history and unique architectural styles like the medieval Cheap Street.
• Portishead (1086 AD) - Known for its fast-growing marina development in recent years.
• Wells (Roman-era) - Recognized as England's smallest city, it's home to the historic Wells Cathedral.
• Clevedon (1086 AD) - A charming town with the Clevedon Pier, one of the earliest examples of a Victorian pier still in existence.
• Nailsea (Prehistoric times) - Known for its long history of coal mining.
• Chard (1065 AD) - The birthplace of powered flight in 1848 by John Stringfellow.
• Glastonbury (7th Century) - Known for the Glastonbury Abbey, and the legendary story of King Arthur.
• Keynsham (10th Century) - Located between Bristol and Bath, it's known for its memorial park and chocolate factory.
• Minehead (1st Century AD) - The gateway to the Exmoor National Park.
• Shepton Mallet (Roman-era) - Known for its Kilver Court gardens and Shepton Mallet prison.
• Radstock (Ancient) - Historically significant for its coal mining industries.
• Burnham-on-Sea (Late 18th Century) - A popular seaside resort with the shortest pier in the UK.
• Street (Ancient) - Home to Clarks Village, one of the UK's first factory outlets.
• Midsomer Norton (Prehistoric times) - Known for its traditional coal mining industries.
• Ilminster (Ancient) - Known for the magnificent Ilminster Church and the Meeting House Arts Centre.
• Wellington (Ancient) - Famous for its connection to the Duke of Wellington.
• Wincanton (Ancient) - Known for its horse racing course and Dovecote Tower.
• Castle Cary (Ancient) - Home to a historic roundhouse and castle remains.
• Crewkerne (Domesday Book) - Known for its 15th-century Church of St Bartholomew.
• Highbridge (Mid 19th Century) - Famous for the Highbridge Wharf and access to the River Brue.
• Somerton (Roman-era) - Once the county town of Somerset, it features the beautiful Somerton Church.
• Wiveliscombe (10th Century) - Known for the Wiveliscombe House, a Grade II listed building.
• Paulton (Domesday Book) - Home to the old Paulton Pool and the Somerset Coal Canal.
• Dulverton (Domesday Book) - Known as the Southern gateway to the Exmoor National Park.

Notable natural attractions include the Cheddar Gorge, a limestone gorge in the Mendip Hills, and the Exmoor National Park, known for its rugged moorland and diverse wildlife.

In terms of historical events, one of the most notable is the founding of University College, Bristol, in 1876, which later became the University of Bristol. Additionally, the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal opened in 1827, providing a significant transportation route for goods.

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.