Rare Old Ordnance Survey Map, Sheet 92 - Gloucester & Forest of Dean, 1925: Cheltenham, Ledbury, Ross-on-Wye, Tewkesbury, Wye Valley AONB

The "Sheet 92 - Gloucester & Forest of Dean" map from Ordnance Survey's One-inch "Popular" edition, England and Wales, published in 1925, is a fascinating piece of cartographic history. This meticulously detailed map showcases the historic county of Gloucester & Forest of Dean, capturing the essence of the region during the early 20th century.

Why is this map interesting and worth buying?

1. Historical Insight: This map provides a unique glimpse into the past, allowing you to explore the towns, cities, and natural landscapes of Gloucester & Forest of Dean as they existed in 1925. It offers a valuable resource for historians, genealogists, and anyone interested in the region's development over time.

2. Evolution of Place Names: The map highlights the evolution of place names, revealing how some modern cities may not be present or may appear under earlier names. This adds an element of intrigue and discovery, as you navigate through the map and uncover the historical names of familiar locations.

3. Notable Settlements: The map features several notable settlements, each with its own significance:

4. Gloucester & Forest of Dean: The main focus of the map, this historic county is known for its rich industrial heritage, including coal mining and ironworks. It is also home to the stunning Forest of Dean, a picturesque woodland area.

5. Cheltenham: Renowned for its Regency architecture and elegant spa town status, Cheltenham is a popular destination known for its cultural festivals and horse racing events.

6. Ledbury: A charming market town famous for its timber-framed buildings and medieval heritage. Ledbury boasts a picturesque High Street lined with independent shops and a stunning parish church.

7. Ross-on-Wye: Nestled on the banks of the River Wye, Ross-on-Wye offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. It is known for its historic market town charm and proximity to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

8. Tewkesbury: This medieval town is renowned for its well-preserved timber-framed buildings and the majestic Tewkesbury Abbey, one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England.

9. Wye Valley AONB: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Wye Valley is a picturesque landscape characterized by its dramatic cliffs, wooded hillsides, and the meandering River Wye.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• River Severn: The map showcases the mighty River Severn, the longest river in the United Kingdom, which flows through the region.

• Malvern Hills: Located near Ledbury, the Malvern Hills are a range of ancient hills offering stunning panoramic views and numerous walking trails.

• Cotswolds: While not directly featured on this map, the Cotswolds, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is in close proximity to Cheltenham and offers rolling hills, picturesque villages, and historic sites.

Historical Events in the Region (within 20 years before 1925):

1. Battle of Tewkesbury (1471): The map area includes Tewkesbury, where the historic Battle of Tewkesbury took place during the Wars of the Roses. This decisive battle resulted in the defeat of the Lancastrian forces and solidified the Yorkist claim to the English throne.

2. Gloucester Riots (1831): Gloucester, one of the main locations on the map, witnessed the Gloucester Riots of 1831. These riots were part of the wider unrest during the Reform Bill crisis, reflecting the social and political tensions of the time.

Immerse yourself in the history and geography of Gloucester & Forest of Dean with this meticulously crafted map from 1925. Discover the evolution of place names, explore notable settlements, and uncover the natural beauty and historical events that shaped this captivating region.

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.

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.