Rare Old Ordnance Survey Map, Sheet 108 - Southend & District, 1925: Chelmsford, Maldon, Basildon, Rayleigh, Dengie National Nature Reserve

This vintage map, titled "Sheet 108 - Southend & District," is a remarkable piece from Ordnance Survey's One-inch "Popular" edition, England and Wales, published in 1925. The map showcases an array of towns, cities, and interesting features, including Chelmsford, Maldon, Basildon, Rayleigh, and the captivating Dengie National Nature Reserve.

This meticulously crafted map provides a fascinating glimpse into the past, allowing you to explore the Southend & District region as it existed in 1925. It offers a unique perspective on the landscape, settlements, and historical context of the area. It is important to note that while some modern cities may not be present on this map, it unveils earlier names of certain locations, adding an exciting layer of historical significance.

Southend & District, located in the historic county of Essex, is a prominent highlight of this map. Situated along the picturesque coastline of the Thames Estuary, Southend-on-Sea, the principal town of the district, is renowned for its vibrant seaside resort atmosphere. The map's inclusion of Southend & District allows you to trace the development and changes in this popular destination over time.

Major Settlements and Features:

• Chelmsford: The county town of Essex, known for its rich history and the impressive Chelmsford Cathedral.
• Maldon: A historic town famous for its Hythe Quay and the iconic Maldon Promenade Park.
• Basildon: A town that emerged as a new post-war settlement, showcasing the urban expansion of the early 20th century.
• Rayleigh: A charming market town with a medieval history, featuring the striking Rayleigh Windmill.
• Dengie National Nature Reserve: A captivating nature reserve encompassing diverse habitats, including marshes, mudflats, and saltmarshes, providing a haven for a wide range of wildlife.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• River Crouch: A significant river flowing through the region, offering picturesque views and opportunities for boating and fishing.
• Thames Estuary: The vast estuary where the River Thames meets the North Sea, known for its maritime importance and stunning coastal landscapes.

Historical Events (within 20 years before 1925): 

• 1905: The opening of Southend Pier, the world's longest pleasure pier at the time, attracting visitors from far and wide.
• 1914-1918: The First World War, a global conflict that had a profound impact on the region and the lives of its inhabitants.

Immerse yourself in the history and geography of Southend & District with this captivating old map. It serves as a valuable educational resource, a conversation starter, and a stunning piece of decor for any history enthusiast or map collector.

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), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). 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.

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.