Rare Old OS Map of County Durham by Bartholomew, 1901: Middlesbrough, River Tees, Pennine Hills, Darlington, Hartlepool

Sheet 4 - Durham, a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a testament to the elegance and precision of early 20th-century cartography. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was designed at a half-inch to the mile scale, making it a favourite among cyclists and tourists of the era. The meticulous use of colour gradation to represent landscape relief is both innovative and visually captivating, offering a detailed depiction of the region's topography. The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map, ensuring accuracy and reliability in its representation of the British Isles.

The map covers the county of Durham and parts of the surrounding counties, showcasing a rich tapestry of natural and man-made features. The Pennine and Cleveland Hills, along with the winding courses of the Rivers Tees, Wear, and Tyne, are beautifully rendered, highlighting the region's diverse landscape. The North Sea coastline is also prominently featured, adding to the map's geographical breadth. This detailed political and physical map provides an invaluable snapshot of the area's natural beauty and industrial prowess at the turn of the century.

Bartholomew's map is not just a geographical tool but a historical document that offers insights into the infrastructure and landmarks of the time. The extensive railway network and major roads crisscrossing the map reflect the burgeoning industrial era, while the numerous coal mines, indicated by pit symbols, underscore the region's economic backbone. Historic landmarks such as Durham Cathedral, Barnard Castle, and Raby Castle are meticulously marked, offering a glimpse into the area's rich cultural heritage. Natural landmarks like High Force waterfall, Hamsterley Forest, and the reservoirs of Derwent and Waskerley further enrich the map's narrative.

The map also highlights various towns and cities, each with its own unique historical and cultural significance. Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, and Sunderland are among the prominent settlements, each playing a vital role in the region's development. Smaller towns like Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, and Chester-le-Street add to the map's intricate detailing, providing a comprehensive overview of the human settlements that dot the landscape. The inclusion of towns from neighbouring counties such as Hexham in Northumberland and Richmond in North Riding of Yorkshire extends the map's reach and relevance.

J.G. Bartholomew's work on this map is a reflection of his dedication to the art and science of cartography. Known for his innovative techniques and attention to detail, Bartholomew's maps were not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. The combination of colour gradation, contour lines, and precise labelling creates a map that is both informative and visually striking. This map of Durham stands as a remarkable example of Bartholomew's legacy, offering a window into the past and a celebration of the region's geographical and historical richness.

Cities and towns on this map

• County Durham:
• Durham
• Darlington
• Hartlepool
• Stockton-on-Tees
  
• Bishop Auckland
• Consett
• Barnard Castle
• Hetton le Hole
• Seaham
• Spennymoor
• Stanley
• Crook
• Shildon
• Peterlee
• Newton Aycliffe
• Houghton-le-Spring
• Ferryhill
• North Riding of Yorkshire (partial coverage):
• Richmond
• Northallerton
  
• Middlesbrough
• Westmorland (partial coverage):
• Kirkby Stephen

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural features:
• The River Tees
• The River Wear
• The River Tyne
• Pennine Hills
• Cleveland Hills
• High Force (waterfall)
• Teesdale
• Weardale
• The North Sea coastline
• Transportation:
• Extensive railway network
• Major roads
• Industrial features:
• Numerous coal mines (indicated by pit symbols)
• Historic landmarks:
• Durham Cathedral
• Barnard Castle
• Raby Castle
• Natural landmarks:
• Hamsterley Forest
• Derwent Reservoir
• Waskerley Reservoir

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• J.G. Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his innovative and detailed maps.
• Scale and popularity:
• A clear, attractive and colourful map at the half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Relief representation:
• The half-inch maps were distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief.
• A subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands was used 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
• Themes and topics:
• Detailed political and physical map.
• Shows landscape relief, roads, railways, and rivers.
• Regions shown:
• Covers the county of Durham and parts of surrounding counties.
• Design and style:
• The map features a detailed and colourful design, characteristic of Bartholomew's maps.
• Uses a combination of colour gradation and contour lines to depict the physical landscape.
• Historical significance:
• Reflects the state of cartography and geographical knowledge at the turn of the 20th century.
• Offers insights into the infrastructure and landscape of the region during that period.

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.