Rare Old Map of East-Central London, 1900: Tower of London, The Thames, Isle of Dogs, London Docks, Shoreditch

Step into the vibrant history of East-Central London with "Sheet 12 from Bacon's New Large Scale Atlas of London and Suburbs," crafted in 1900 by the esteemed Bacon & Co. This exquisite map captures the essence of a city on the cusp of transformation, where Victorian landmarks and burgeoning neighborhoods paint a vivid picture of urban expansion. The mapmaker's attention to detail and use of color highlight the intricate tapestry of streets and structures, offering a window into London's past as it transitioned from farmland to the bustling metropolis we know today.

The map prominently features the iconic Thames River, a lifeline weaving through the heart of London. This vital waterway, depicted with precision, connects key areas such as the London Docks and West India Docks, which were once the epicenters of global trade. The map not only illustrates the geographical layout but also tells the story of commerce and industry that fueled the city's growth during the Victorian era.

Explore the historical significance of neighborhoods like the City of London, Shoreditch, and the Isle of Dogs, each marked with its unique charm and character. The map provides a snapshot of these areas before they became the modern hubs of culture and innovation. Notably, the Tower of London stands as a testament to the city's rich history, a landmark that has witnessed centuries of change and development.

Beyond the urban landscape, the map reveals the green expanses of Greenwich Marsh and other open spaces that once dotted the city. These areas, now transformed, offer a glimpse into the natural beauty that once coexisted with the burgeoning cityscape. The balance of urban and rural elements on this map highlights the dynamic evolution of London at the turn of the century.

Bacon & Co.'s map is more than a mere navigational tool; it is a piece of art that encapsulates the spirit of a city in flux. The intricate design and historical context make it a fascinating addition to any collection, offering both aesthetic pleasure and a deeper understanding of London's storied past. This map is a testament to the enduring allure of one of the world's greatest cities, captured at a pivotal moment in its history.

Streets and roads on this map

• Aldgate High Street
• Bethnal Green Road
• Bow Road
• Brick Lane
• Cable Street
• Commercial Road
• East India Dock Road
• Fenchurch Street
• Hackney Road
• High Street
• Kingsland Road
• Leman Street
• Limehouse Causeway
• Liverpool Street
• London Wall
• Mile End Road
• Minories
• Old Street
• Poplar High Street
• Prescott Street
• Queen Victoria Street
• Roman Road
• Shoreditch High Street
• Stepney Green
• Tower Bridge Road
• Upper Thames Street
• Victoria Dock Road
• Wapping High Street
• Whitechapel High Street
• Whitechapel Road

Notable Features & Landmarks

• London Docks
• West India Docks
• Tower of London
• London Bridge
• City of London
• Surrey Quays
• Isle of Dogs
• Shoreditch
• The Thames
• Greenwich Marsh

Historical and design context

• Creation date: 1900
• Mapmaker/Publisher: Bacon & Co.
• Design/Style: Attractively colored with a balance of detail, capturing a transitional period in London's urban development.
• Historical significance: Illustrates London at a pivotal time of growth and change, with both established urban areas and undeveloped land.
• Topics and themes: Focuses on East-Central London, showcasing a mix of Victorian landmarks, terraced housing, and remaining farmland.

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 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

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.

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.