The "Historical Map of England and Wales," crafted by the esteemed cartographer L.G. Bullock in 1958, is a masterful blend of art and history. This pictorial map not only charts the geographical features of England and Wales but also weaves a rich tapestry of their historical narratives. Bullock's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the inclusion of cities, roads, castles, churches, and other significant landmarks. Each element is carefully illustrated, providing a visual journey through the storied past of these regions. The map's decorative cartouche and compass rose add an elegant touch, making it a timeless piece of cartographic art.
Bullock's creation is more than just a map; it is a historical document that captures the essence of England and Wales. The annotations scattered throughout the map highlight famous battles, such as those involving Boadicea, and significant events like the Domesday Book. These historical notes provide context and depth, transforming the map into a narrative of the past. The inclusion of coats of arms around the map's edge further enriches its historical value, offering a glimpse into the heraldic traditions of various cities.
The geographical features depicted on the map are as diverse as they are detailed. From the winding rivers like the Thames and Severn to the rugged coastlines and islands, Bullock's map showcases the natural beauty of England and Wales. The topography is illustrated pictorially, with mountains and valleys rendered in a style that is both informative and aesthetically pleasing. This approach not only highlights the physical landscape but also emphasizes the regions' historical significance.
Cities and towns are prominently featured, each marked with precision and care. Major urban centers like London, Birmingham, and Manchester are clearly visible, alongside smaller yet historically significant towns. The map also highlights key roads, connecting these settlements and illustrating the intricate network of travel routes that have shaped the regions' development. The detailed depiction of castles and churches adds another layer of historical context, showcasing the architectural heritage that defines much of England and Wales.
In addition to its historical and geographical richness, the map is a visual delight. The vibrant illustrations of ships and sea creatures in the surrounding waters, along with the decorative elements, make it a captivating piece. Bullock's skill as a cartographer and artist is evident in every detail, from the ornate compass rose to the meticulously drawn landmarks. This map is not just a tool for navigation but a work of art that invites viewers to explore and appreciate the rich history and diverse landscapes of England and Wales.
Cities and towns on this map
- England:
- London
- Birmingham
- Liverpool
- Manchester
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Bristol
- Coventry
- Leicester
- Nottingham
- Kingston upon Hull
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Stoke-on-Trent
- Southampton
- Portsmouth
- Plymouth
- Derby
- Wolverhampton
- Oxford
- Norwich
- York
- Peterborough
- Luton
- Sunderland
- Brighton
- Blackpool
- Reading
- Stockport
- Ipswich
- Oldham
- Warrington
- Huddersfield
- Middlesbrough
- Wigan
- Birkenhead
- Southend-on-Sea
- Swindon
- Dudley
- Gloucester
- Watford
- Rotherham
- Chester
- Woking
- Cheltenham
- Basildon
- Eastbourne
- Crawley
- Gillingham
- Worcester
- Hastings
- Burnley
- Basingstoke
- Bedford
- Wakefield
- Darlington
- Grimsby
- Hartlepool
- Chatham
- Hemel Hempstead
- Lincoln
- St Albans
- Bath
- Halifax
- Nuneaton
- Chesterfield
- Carlisle
- Harrogate
- Guildford
- Shrewsbury
- Stafford
- Scarborough
- Telford
- Hereford
- Evesham
- Stratford-upon-Avon
- Droitwich
- Dover
- Sandwich
- Margate
- Colchester
- Canterbury
- Ramsgate
-
Hastings
-
Wales:
- Cardiff
- Swansea
- Newport
- Wrexham
- Bangor
- Carmarthen
- Aberystwyth
- Llandudno
- Holyhead
- Fishguard
- Pembroke
- Caernarfon
- Brecon
- Merthyr Tydfil
- Haverfordwest
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Illustrations:
- Depictions of historical events and battles
- Illustrations of castles, churches, and significant buildings
- Decorative ships and sea creatures in the surrounding water
- Landmarks:
- Numerous castles and churches are marked and illustrated
- Bodies of water:
- Rivers (e.g., Thames, Severn)
- Lakes
- Coastal features
- Borders:
- The coastline of England and Wales
- Mountains:
- Illustrated topographical features representing mountainous areas
- Other notable features:
- Coats of arms of cities around the edge of the map
- Historical annotations and notes throughout the map
Historical and design context
- Name of the map: Historical Map of England and Wales
- Creation Date: 1958
- Mapmaker/Publisher: L.G. Bullock
- Topics and themes shown on the map:
- Cities and towns
- Roads
- Castles and churches
- Topography
- Bodies of water, drainage, and coastlines
- Islands and ports
- Historical notes (e.g., famous battles, significant events)
- Coats of arms
- Design or style of the map:
- Thematic and pictorial
- Relief shown pictorially
- Legend and compass rose
- Decorative cartouche
- Historical significance or context:
- Visual representation of the historical landscape of England and Wales
- Valuable resource for understanding historical geography and significant events
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 100in (250cm). 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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.
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.
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.
Or try searching for something!