Rare Old OS Map of Harrogate, North Yorkshire by Bartholomew, 1901: Ripon, River Wharfe, Skipton Castle, Fountains Abbey, Bolton Priory

Sheet 6 - Harrogate, part of the Half-Inch Bartholomew Map of the British Isles, is a captivating glimpse into the early 20th-century landscape of Northern England. Created by the renowned cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, this map stands as a testament to the detailed and innovative cartographic techniques of the period. Bartholomew's work was celebrated for its accuracy and aesthetic appeal, making his maps highly sought after by cyclists and tourists of the time. This particular map, with its half-inch to the mile scale, offers an intricate portrayal of the Harrogate region, capturing both its political boundaries and physical features with remarkable precision.

The map's design is both functional and beautiful, utilizing a subtle gradation of color bands to represent different land elevations. This innovative technique not only enhances the map's visual appeal but also provides a clear understanding of the region's topography. The rich brown hues of the Pennines contrast sharply with the lush greens of the lower lands, creating a vivid representation of the landscape. Rivers such as the Wharfe, Nidd, Ure, Aire, Swale, Calder, Ribble, and Lune meander through the map, adding to its dynamic nature and highlighting the importance of these waterways in the region's geography and history.

Historically significant landmarks are meticulously marked, offering a window into the past. The ruins of Fountains Abbey and Bolton Priory evoke the medieval heritage of the area, while Skipton Castle and Ripley Castle stand as enduring symbols of the region's feudal history. Harewood House, a grand estate, reflects the opulence of the Georgian era. These landmarks, along with the detailed depiction of the natural landscape, make this map a valuable resource for historians and enthusiasts alike, providing insights into the region's rich cultural and historical tapestry.

The map also highlights the vibrant towns and cities that dot the landscape, each with its own unique character and history. Harrogate, a spa town renowned for its healing waters, is prominently featured, along with Ripon, Knaresborough, and Skipton. Smaller settlements like Settle, Pateley Bridge, and Grassington are also depicted, offering a comprehensive view of the region's human geography. The inclusion of these towns, ordered by their modern-day populations, provides a fascinating perspective on the growth and development of these communities over the past century.

JG Bartholomew's Half-Inch Map of Harrogate is more than just a navigational tool; it is a work of art and a historical document. The map's detailed representation of the landscape, combined with its aesthetic design, makes it a prized possession for collectors and history enthusiasts. Whether you are drawn to its historical significance, its cartographic beauty, or its detailed depiction of Northern England's geography, this map is sure to be a cherished addition to any collection.

Cities and towns on this map

North Yorkshire

• Harrogate (Modern population: ~75,000)
• Ripon (Modern population: ~16,000)
• Knaresborough (Modern population: ~15,000)
• Skipton (Modern population: ~14,000)
• Settle (Modern population: ~2,500)
• Pateley Bridge (Modern population: ~2,000)
• Grassington (Modern population: ~1,100)

West Yorkshire

• Ilkley (Modern population: ~14,000)
• Otley (Modern population: ~14,000)
• Wetherby (Modern population: ~11,000)
• Tadcaster (Modern population: ~6,000)

Lancashire

• Clitheroe (Modern population: ~15,000)

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers and Water Bodies:
• River Wharfe
• River Nidd
• River Ure
• River Aire
• River Swale
• River Calder
• River Ribble
• River Lune
• Fewston Reservoir

• Swinsty Reservoir

• Historic Landmarks:

• Fountains Abbey (marked as ruins)
• Bolton Priory (marked as ruins)
• Skipton Castle
• Ripley Castle
• Harewood House

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 6 - Harrogate, part of the Half-Inch Bartholomew Map of the British Isles.
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720).
• Purpose: These maps were popular with cyclists and tourists, and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Design: Distinctive for using different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands used to show land at different heights.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Created by JG Bartholomew in 1901.
• Historical context of the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and accurate maps, contributing significantly to the field of cartography in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Topics and themes: The map shows detailed political and physical features, including transportation networks, topography, and natural features.
• Countries and regions shown: Covers parts of Northern England, specifically around Harrogate.
• Design/style: Landscape orientation, covering 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• Historical significance: This map provides valuable insights into the landscape and infrastructure of early 20th century Northern England, reflecting the period's cartographic techniques and aesthetic preferences.

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.