Rare Old OS Map of Norfolk by Bartholomew, 1901: Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Thetford Forest, River Yare, Sandringham House, Blakeney Point

Step back in time with the exquisite "Sheet 15 - Norfolk," an original 1901 creation by the illustrious JG Bartholomew. Known as the "Prince of Cartography," Bartholomew's work is a testament to the art and science of mapmaking. This map, part of his flagship half-inch to the mile series, offers a vivid portrayal of Norfolk, England, capturing the essence of the region with meticulous detail and artistic flair. Bartholomew's innovative use of color gradation to depict landscape relief brings the undulating terrain of Norfolk to life, making this map not just a navigational tool but a work of art.

The map’s design is a harmonious blend of functionality and aesthetics, tailored for the discerning cyclist and tourist of the early 20th century. The half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720) provides a detailed view of the region, with roads and railways meticulously charted, reflecting the burgeoning transportation networks of the time. The subtle gradation of color bands to represent different land heights is a hallmark of Bartholomew's cartographic genius, offering a clear and attractive representation of the landscape that was both innovative and practical.

Norfolk's rich tapestry of natural and man-made features is elegantly captured on this map. From the meandering rivers Yare, Waveney, Bure, and Wensum to the serene expanses of Hickling Broad and Barton Broad, the waterways are depicted with precision. Coastal features like Blakeney Point and Great Yarmouth Beach are highlighted, showcasing the region's diverse geography. The map also marks significant historical landmarks such as Castle Rising, Blickling Hall, and Sandringham House, inviting the viewer to explore Norfolk's storied past.

The map's detailed depiction of Norfolk's settlements provides a fascinating glimpse into the region's urban and rural landscapes at the turn of the century. Major cities like Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and King's Lynn are prominently featured, alongside smaller towns such as Thetford, Dereham, and Cromer. Each settlement is intricately mapped, reflecting the region's socio-economic fabric and the importance of these hubs in the early 1900s. The inclusion of ancient routes like Peddars Way and modern footpaths like the Norfolk Coast Path adds layers of historical and recreational context.

Bartholomew's "Sheet 15 - Norfolk" is more than just a map; it is a historical document that encapsulates the essence of Norfolk at a pivotal moment in its history. The map's clarity, accuracy, and aesthetic appeal make it a treasured piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. Whether you are drawn to its cartographic beauty, its historical significance, or its detailed portrayal of Norfolk's landscapes and landmarks, this map is a timeless testament to Bartholomew's enduring legacy in the world of cartography.

Cities and towns on this map

• Norfolk:
• Norwich
• Great Yarmouth
• King's Lynn
• Thetford
• Dereham
• Cromer
• Fakenham
• Swaffham
• North Walsham
• Downham Market
• Wymondham
• Attleborough
• Aylsham
• Holt
• Diss
• Watton
• Hunstanton
• Sheringham
• Harleston
• Reepham

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Rivers:
• River Yare
• River Waveney
• River Bure
• River Wensum
• Broads and Lakes:
• Hickling Broad
• Barton Broad
• Ranworth Broad
• Coastal Features:
• Blakeney Point
• Great Yarmouth Beach
• Forests and Woods:
• Thetford Forest
• Historic Landmarks:
• Castle Rising
• Blickling Hall
• Sandringham House
• Wymondham Abbey
• Parks:
• Holkham Park
• Sheringham Park
• Other Features:
• Peddars Way (ancient Roman road)
• The Norfolk Coast Path (long-distance footpath)
• The Wash (large bay and estuary)

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 15 - Norfolk
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: JG Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: John George Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer, often referred to as "the Prince of Cartography." His work was known for its precision and aesthetic appeal.
• Topics and themes shown on the map:
• Political boundaries: Detailed delineation of county boundaries within Norfolk.
• Physical features: Landscape relief indicated through different layers of color, showing land at different heights.
• Transportation: Roads and railways are clearly marked, reflecting the importance of these routes for cyclists and tourists of the time.
• Regions shown on the map: The map covers the county of Norfolk, England.
• Design and style:
• Color gradation: Innovative use of color bands to represent landscape relief.
• Clarity and attractiveness: Designed to be both functional and visually appealing, catering to cyclists and tourists.
• Historical significance:
• Popularity: These maps were Bartholomew's flagship series and were widely used by cyclists and tourists.
• Innovative design: The use of color gradation for landscape relief was a significant cartographic innovation.

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 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.