Rare Old OS Map of North Devon by Bartholomew, 1901: Barnstaple, Exmoor, River Taw, Bideford Bay, Lundy Island

Sheet 35 - North Devon, crafted by the renowned Scottish cartographer JG Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful representation of the region's rich geographical and political landscape. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was particularly popular among cyclists and tourists for its clear, attractive, and colorful design. The half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720) provides a detailed view of North Devon, making it a valuable piece for both historical and cartographic enthusiasts. Bartholomew's innovative use of color gradation to depict landscape relief adds a unique aesthetic dimension, distinguishing it from other maps of the period.

Bartholomew's expertise in cartography is evident in the meticulous detailing of the map. His work was based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring accuracy and reliability. The map showcases the intricate network of roads and railways, including the Great Western Railway and the London and South Western Railway, which were crucial for transportation and trade in the early 20th century. The inclusion of these features highlights the economic and social significance of the region during that time.

The physical geography of North Devon is beautifully captured, with the map illustrating the undulating terrain through subtle color bands. The Exmoor National Park, with its expansive moorlands, is prominently featured, offering a glimpse into the natural beauty of the area. The map also depicts significant natural landmarks such as the River Taw, River Torridge, and the Bristol Channel, which have played vital roles in shaping the region's landscape and history. Bideford Bay and Lundy Island are also marked, adding to the map's comprehensive coverage of North Devon's coastal features.

Historical landmarks are meticulously noted, providing a window into the region's rich heritage. Clovelly Court, Arlington Court, and Hartland Abbey are among the notable sites marked on the map, each with its own unique historical significance. These landmarks, along with the detailed representation of the region's towns and villages, make the map not just a geographical tool but also a historical document that captures the essence of North Devon at the turn of the 20th century.

The map's design and style reflect Bartholomew's dedication to creating maps that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The use of different layers of color to represent landscape relief was a pioneering technique that set his maps apart. This innovative approach, combined with the detailed depiction of political and physical features, makes Sheet 35 - North Devon a remarkable example of early 20th-century cartography. It is a testament to Bartholomew's skill and vision, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past for modern-day collectors and history enthusiasts.

Cities and towns on this map

• Barnstaple
• Bideford
• Ilfracombe
• South Molton
• Lynton
• Lynmouth
• Torrington
• Holsworthy
• Hartland
• Chulmleigh
• Braunton
• Combe Martin
• Woolacombe
• Instow
• Appledore
• Westward Ho!
• Northam
• Great Torrington
• Hatherleigh
• Dolton
• Witheridge
• High Bickington
• Burrington
• Chittlehampton
• Chittlehamholt
• North Tawton
• Ashreigney
• Winkleigh
• Shebbear
• Bradworthy
• Beaford
• Merton
• Petrockstowe
• Langtree
• Frithelstock
• Monkleigh
• Little Torrington
• Buckland Brewer
• Parkham
• Alverdiscott
• Abbotsham
• Buckland Filleigh
• Sheepwash
• Black Torrington
• St Giles in the Wood
• Roborough
• Yarnscombe
• Horwood
• Newton Tracey
• Bishops Tawton
• Landkey
• Swimbridge
• Filleigh
• East Buckland
• West Buckland
• Bratton Fleming
• Kentisbury
• Parracombe
• Martinhoe
• Trentishoe
• Countisbury
• Brendon
• Challacombe
• Twitchen
• North Molton
• Molland
• Knowstone
• Rose Ash
• Meshaw
• East Worlington
• West Worlington
• Withypool
• Hawkridge
• Exford
• Simonsbath
• Loxhore
• Goodleigh
• Shirwell
• Arlington
• Atherington
• Bishop's Nympton
• Mariansleigh
• George Nympton
• King's Nympton
• East Anstey
• West Anstey

Notable Features & Landmarks

• National Parks and Major Parks:
• Exmoor National Park (partially depicted)
• Historic Landmarks:
• Clovelly Court
• Arlington Court
• Hartland Abbey
• Natural Features:
• Exmoor (Moorland)
• River Taw
• River Torridge
• Bristol Channel
• Bideford Bay
• Lundy Island
• Transportation:
• Great Western Railway
• London and South Western Railway
• Barnstaple and Ilfracombe Railway

Historical and design context

• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: JG Bartholomew was a notable Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and attractive maps. His maps were highly regarded for their clarity and aesthetic appeal.
• Date of creation: 1901
• Design and style:
• Landscape relief: The map uses different layers of colour to represent landscape relief, with a subtle and innovative gradation of colour bands used to show land at different heights.
• Popularity: These maps were particularly popular with cyclists and tourists and became Bartholomew's flagship series.
• Base map: The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Coverage area: The map covers 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• Themes and topics:
• Political and physical features: The map details both political boundaries and physical landscapes, making it a comprehensive guide for travelers and geography enthusiasts.
• Countries and regions shown: The map primarily covers North Devon in England.
• Historical significance: This map is significant for its detailed representation of North Devon at the turn of the 20th century, reflecting the geographical and infrastructural knowledge of the 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 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.

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.