Rare Old Map of Middlesex by Samuel Lewis, 1844: London, Westminster, Kensington, Chelsea, Richmond

This Old Map of Middlesex by Samuel Lewis in 1844 is a captivating piece of history that offers a glimpse into the past. With its intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a true work of art. It provides a unique opportunity to explore the County of Middlesex during the mid-19th century.

One of the fascinating aspects of this map is that it showcases the major towns and cities of Middlesex in 1844. It allows you to discover the historical names of these places, as some have undergone changes over time. While modern cities may not be featured on this map, it presents an exciting opportunity to see earlier names of locations that have evolved into bustling urban centers today.

Here is a list of 30 notable settlements, cities, and counties founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of County of Middlesex:

• London (43 AD): The capital city of England, renowned for its rich history, iconic landmarks, and vibrant culture.
• Westminster (43 AD): Home to the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey, this area has been at the heart of British politics and governance for centuries.
• Kensington (1086): Known for its elegant architecture and world-famous museums, Kensington is a symbol of refinement and cultural heritage.
• Chelsea (785): A neighborhood with a long-standing reputation for its artistic community, picturesque streets, and Chelsea Flower Show.

• Richmond (1501): Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Richmond boasts stunning landscapes, historic sites, and the beautiful Richmond Park.

• Brentford (705): A historic market town with a strategic location along the River Thames, known for its industrial heritage.

• Edgware (1086): Tracing its roots back to the Domesday Book, Edgware is a suburban town with a rich history and charming character.
• Enfield (1086): A town with a royal history, Enfield is home to Enfield Palace and Enfield Market, which has been operating since 1303.
• Harrow (1086): Famous for its prestigious public school, Harrow School, this town has a long-standing educational tradition.
• Staines-upon-Thames (43 AD): Situated on the River Thames, Staines-upon-Thames is known for its historical bridges and riverside beauty.
• Uxbridge (1086): A market town with a significant role in the wool trade during the medieval period, Uxbridge is now a bustling suburban center.
• Twickenham (700): Renowned for its world-class rugby stadium and riverside charm, Twickenham is a popular destination for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
• Hounslow (1086): With its proximity to Heathrow Airport, Hounslow has become a major transportation hub while retaining its historical charm.
• Teddington (1086): Nestled on the banks of the River Thames, Teddington is known for its lock, which marks the tidal limit of the river.
• Greenford (848): A suburban town with a rich industrial heritage, Greenford is home to several notable factories and manufacturing sites.
• Hayes (1086): Historically an agricultural area, Hayes has transformed into a vibrant town with a diverse community and thriving businesses.
• Ruislip (1086): Surrounded by green spaces and ancient woodland, Ruislip offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city life.
• Northolt (1086): A suburban town with a rich aviation history, Northolt is home to RAF Northolt, one of the oldest operational airfields in the UK.
• Southall (1086): Known for its vibrant South Asian community, Southall is a cultural melting pot with bustling markets and authentic cuisine.
• Acton (1086): With its mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas, Acton has become a popular destination for young professionals.
• Willesden (939): A diverse and multicultural area, Willesden is known for its vibrant community, bustling markets, and beautiful parks.
• Pinner (1086): A picturesque village with a charming high street, Pinner offers a glimpse into Middlesex's rural past.
• Ealing (1086): A leafy suburban area with a rich architectural heritage, Ealing is known for its beautiful parks and vibrant community.
• Harlington (1086): Situated near Heathrow Airport, Harlington has a long history of hospitality and accommodation for travelers.
• Perivale (1086): Surrounded by open spaces and nature reserves, Perivale offers a peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle.
• Hanwell (1086): Home to the historic Hanwell Flight of locks, Hanwell is a picturesque area with a strong sense of community.
• West Drayton (1086): Located near Heathrow Airport, West Drayton has a rich history dating back to Roman times and offers convenient transport links.
• Yiewsley (1086): A charming village with a close-knit community, Yiewsley is known for its traditional pubs and tranquil atmosphere.
• Norwood Green (1086): Surrounded by green spaces and farmland, Norwood Green offers a rural retreat within easy reach of the city.
• Cowley (1086): With its historic buildings and picturesque setting, Cowley is a hidden gem that showcases Middlesex's rural beauty.
• Cranford (1086): Known for its beautiful parkland and historic buildings, Cranford offers a peaceful escape from the urban sprawl.

Notable boundaries, rivers, and natural phenomena in County of Middlesex, England include the River Thames, which flows through the heart of the county, dividing it into north and south banks. Additionally, the Grand Union Canal and the Brent River are prominent waterways that contribute to the region's charm. The county is also home to several parks and green spaces, such as Richmond Park, Bushy Park, and Osterley Park, which offer tranquil retreats amidst the bustling urban environment.

Between 1800 and 1850, the County of Middlesex witnessed significant historical events, including the construction of iconic landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament (begun in 1840) and the completion of the Thames Tunnel (opened in 1843), which was the world's first tunnel under a navigable river. The Industrial Revolution brought rapid urbanization and technological advancements to the region, transforming it into a thriving center of commerce, industry, and innovation.

Owning this Old Map of Middlesex by Samuel Lewis in 1844 allows you to delve into the county's rich history, explore its notable settlements, and appreciate the intricate details of a bygone era. It is a remarkable piece that captures the essence of Middlesex during a pivotal period of time.

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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of UK and Ireland maps.

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.