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Four in one maps |
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Four in one maps |
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A new map series has been launched by Cassini Publishing which brings you four views of the same area from the early-19th century to the present day. The number of areas covered by series is limited, but will increase as more maps in the series are published. The maps are taken from Ordnance Survey one-Inch and 1:50,000 maps, then digitally enhanced so that maps from the periods 1816–1822, 1896 and 1920 can be shown alongside a present day OS map covering the same area. We looked at the Richmond & Ealing map (shown right) in the new ‘Past & Present Series’. What jumps out is how some place names have disappeared and been replaced by new names or have moved. Names like Twyford and Drayton Green have gone from the present day map, although the latter survives as a train station and an area covered by a Transport for London bus map. Roads bearing the names ‘Twyford Abbey Road’ and ‘Abbey Road’ are the only clues you will find on the TfL map for north west London. Today, these areas are better known as Park Royal and West Ealing. Four maps placed side by side on the same sheet is a great idea. Each sheet includes text explaining the historical significance of the maps used and how they record the changes to the landscape and the built environment. Cassini also publish historical editions of OS maps. For more information about the new Past & Present Maps, which cost £7.99 each, contact Cassini Publishing, Hillsprings, East Garston, Berkshire RG17 7HW, web: www.cassinimaps.com. A footnote. It will be some time before there are Past & Present Maps for many parts of the country and for some places they will never be published and this is where the online map supplier, www.old-maps.co.uk, comes in, although the maps they produce are not cheap. They can provide you with a set of comparative maps for an area of your choosing, covering the same periods as the Cassini maps, as downloadable .pdf files for £14.99 or printed A3 size for £24.99 post free. This is at the 1:2500 scale. Less detailed 1:10560 scale maps are £5 cheaper. |
9 August 2007 |
