Rare Old Ordnance Survey Map, Sheet 53 - Derby, 1925: Uttoxeter, Belper, Ripley, Ashbourne, Cheadle

This remarkable map, titled "Sheet 53 - Derby," is part of the Ordnance Survey's One-inch "Popular" edition of England and Wales, published in 1925. The map showcases the historic county of Derbyshire, with a particular focus on the city of Derby and its surrounding towns and features. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the landscape, settlements, and historical context of the region during the early 20th century.

Why this map is amazing:

• Historical Significance: This map allows you to explore the region as it appeared in 1925, capturing the essence of a bygone era. It offers a unique perspective on the development of towns and cities, transportation networks, and the overall geography of the area.
• Notable Features: While Derby takes center stage, this map also highlights other significant towns and features in the region. It provides valuable insights into the towns of Uttoxeter, Belper, Ripley, Ashbourne, and Cheadle, showcasing their historical importance and evolution over time.
• Changes and Renaming: It is important to note that some modern cities may not be present on this map, as it represents the region as it existed in 1925. However, it is exciting to discover that certain locations may be present on the map under earlier names, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's historical identity.
• Historic County: Derby, the focal point of this map, is located in the historic county of Derbyshire. This region is renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and notable landmarks.

Major Settlements and Features:

• Derby: The central city of the map, known for its industrial heritage and historic architecture.
• Uttoxeter: A market town with a long history, famous for its racecourse and agricultural significance.
• Belper: A former mill town, recognized for its well-preserved industrial heritage and connection to the Industrial Revolution.
• Ripley: An ancient market town with a fascinating history, known for its historic buildings and local industries.
• Ashbourne: A picturesque market town, renowned for its annual Shrovetide football match and Georgian architecture.
• Cheadle: A small market town with a medieval past, home to the striking St. Giles' Catholic Church.

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• River Dove: A beautiful river that winds through the Peak District, offering stunning scenery and opportunities for outdoor activities.
• Peak District National Park: Located close to Ashbourne, this national park is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including hills, valleys, and moorlands.
• Cannock Chase: A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, featuring a mix of woodland, open heathland, and historic landmarks.

Historical Events (within 20 years before 1925):

• World War I (1914-1918): The devastating impact of the Great War on the region, including the mobilization of troops, changes in industry, and the commemoration of fallen soldiers.
• Women's Suffrage Movement: The fight for women's right to vote, which gained significant momentum in the early 20th century, with Derby playing a notable role in the suffrage movement.

Explore the rich history and captivating geography of Derbyshire with this extraordinary map, providing a window into the past and a deeper understanding of the region's heritage.

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), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm), 37x50in (94x127cm), 45x60in (114x152.5cm) and 52x70in (132x178cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 90in (229cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45.5x61cm) version of this map.

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

The labels on this map are very small at 12x16in (30.5x41cm). The map is still very attractive, but you may struggle to read the smallest letters. Please buy a larger map if it's important to be able to read the map easily.

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.