Old Map of Southampton by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Winchester, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Andover, Romsey

This old map of the County of Southampton, England by Samuel Lewis in 1844 is a fascinating piece of cartographic history. It provides a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the major towns, cities, and other interesting features of the region during that time period.

Owning this map allows you to explore the historical boundaries of the County of Southampton and discover the rich heritage of the area. It's important to note that some modern cities may not be present on this map, while others may be listed under earlier names, adding an exciting element of discovery.

The map showcases the five main towns and cities of the County of Southampton, excluding Southampton itself. These notable features include:

• Winchester: The ancient capital of England and a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
• Portsmouth: A significant naval port and home to the historic Portsmouth Dockyard.
• Basingstoke: A market town known for its role in the cloth industry and its historic buildings.
• Andover: A market town with a history dating back to Saxon times, known for its connections to the wool trade.
• Romsey: A charming market town with a beautiful abbey and a history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era.

In addition to these main towns, the map also includes a comprehensive list of 30 notable settlements, cities, counties, and colonies that were founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of the County of Southampton. Here are some highlights from that list:

• Southampton (founded in the Roman period): A major port city with a rich maritime history.
• Portchester (founded in Roman times): Known for its well-preserved Roman fort.
• Petersfield (founded in the 12th century): A market town with a medieval church and historic buildings.
• Lymington (founded in the 13th century): A coastal town with a long history of shipbuilding and trading.
• Totton (founded in the 19th century): Originally a small hamlet, it grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution.

These settlements and many others on the map offer a glimpse into the diverse history and development of the County of Southampton.

Notable boundaries, rivers, and natural features depicted on the map include the River Test, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, and the Solent. These landmarks continue to be modern-day tourist attractions, showcasing the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.

Between 1800 and 1850, the County of Southampton witnessed several significant historical events. These include the expansion of the railway network, the growth of the maritime industry, and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the region's economy and society.

Owning this old map of the County of Southampton allows you to delve into the past and explore the historical boundaries, notable settlements, and natural features of this captivating region in England. It is a valuable piece for history enthusiasts, cartography aficionados, and anyone with an appreciation for the beauty and significance of old maps.

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.

My standard frame is a black wood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 2-3cm (0.75in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases 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.

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.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white and natural). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

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.

Some of my old maps are now available as framed canvases. Please contact me if you'd like to order a size that isn't available on my shop.

Canvas old maps are an interesting alternative to conventionally framed maps. Depending on your personal taste and room decor, canvas maps can "pop" a bit more than a framed map.

Learn more about my framed canvas maps.

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 have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 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 maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely 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 how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

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.

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 1,500 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.