Rare Old OS Map of Essex by Bartholomew, 1901: Chelmsford, Colchester, River Thames, Epping Forest, Tilbury Fort, Thames Estuary

Sheet 26 - Essex, crafted by the esteemed JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of the county of Essex in the southeast of England. Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer, is celebrated for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps. This particular map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, is a testament to his innovative use of colour gradation to depict landscape relief. The half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720) made it a favourite among cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century, offering a clear and attractive view of the region's topography and transportation networks.

The map's design is both functional and beautiful, using layers of colour to represent different elevations, a technique that was quite advanced for its time. The landscape is brought to life with subtle gradations of colour, showing the varied heights of the land. This meticulous attention to detail not only enhances the map's visual appeal but also provides valuable information about the region's physical geography. The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring its accuracy and reliability.

Essex, as depicted on this map, is rich in natural and historical features. The River Thames, with its vast estuary, dominates the southern boundary, while the River Blackwater, River Crouch, River Colne, and River Stour weave through the landscape. Coastal features such as Maplin Sands, Foulness Sands, Gunfleet Sands, and Barrow Sands are meticulously charted, highlighting the intricate interplay between land and sea. Natural landmarks like Epping Forest and Hatfield Forest are prominently displayed, offering a glimpse into the county's verdant heart.

The historical significance of this map is further underscored by the inclusion of notable landmarks such as Tilbury Fort and Harwich Redoubt. These sites, steeped in history, provide a window into the past, revealing the strategic importance of Essex in England's defence. The map also highlights key transportation routes, including an extensive railway network and major roads, reflecting the region's connectivity and development at the turn of the 20th century. Islands such as Canvey Island and Mersea Island add to the map's charm, showcasing the diverse geography of Essex.

Cities and towns are meticulously marked, with settlements like Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend-on-Sea, and Harlow standing out. These urban centres, along with smaller towns and villages, paint a comprehensive picture of human habitation in Essex. The map's ability to capture both the natural beauty and the bustling activity of the region makes it a valuable historical document. It serves as a captivating piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike, offering a detailed snapshot of Essex as it was over a century ago.

Cities and towns on this map

• Chelmsford
• Colchester
• Southend-on-Sea
• Harlow
• Basildon
• Brentwood
• Braintree
• Clacton-on-Sea
• Grays
• Rayleigh
• Maldon
• Witham
• Harwich
• Saffron Walden
• Epping
• Waltham Abbey
• Wickford
• Halstead
• Loughton
• Chipping Ongar
• Frinton-on-Sea
• Walton-on-the-Naze
• Billericay
• Leigh-on-Sea
• Rochford
• West Mersea
• Shoeburyness
• Canvey Island
• Tilbury
• Stanford-le-Hope
• Great Dunmow
• South Woodham Ferrers
• Burnham-on-Crouch
• Brightlingsea

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• River Thames
• River Blackwater
• River Crouch
• River Colne

• River Stour

• Coastal features:

• Thames Estuary
• Maplin Sands
• Foulness Sands
• Gunfleet Sands

• Barrow Sands

• Transportation:

• Extensive railway network

• Major roads and routes

• Natural features:

• Epping Forest

• Hatfield Forest

• Historical landmarks:

• Tilbury Fort

• Harwich Redoubt

• Other notable features:

• Canvey Island
• Mersea Island
• Dengie Peninsula

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 26 - Essex
• Scale and popularity: This map is at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720). It was popular with cyclists and tourists and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Colour and relief representation: The map uses different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands to show land at different heights.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/publisher: JG Bartholomew, a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps.
• Themes and topics: The map details political and physical geography, including topography, roads, railways, rivers, and coastal features.
• Regions shown: The map specifically focuses on Essex, a county in the southeast of England.
• Design/style: The map is designed in a landscape format, with a clear, attractive, and colourful presentation. It uses innovative colour gradation techniques to depict various elevations.
• Historical significance: The map provides a snapshot of Essex in the early 20th century, reflecting the transportation networks and geographical understanding of the time. It is significant for its detailed representation and use by tourists and cyclists.

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 every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 70in (180cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) 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 collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

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.