Rare Old OS Map of Northumberland - North by Bartholomew, 1901: Alnwick, Berwick, Cheviot Hills, Tweed, Lindisfarne

Sheet 1 - Northumberland - North, created by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a testament to the art and science of early 20th-century mapmaking. This half-inch to the mile scale map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was meticulously designed to cater to the burgeoning interest in cycling and tourism. The map’s clarity and aesthetic appeal are enhanced by its innovative use of color gradation to depict landscape relief, offering a visually engaging and informative representation of Northumberland’s diverse terrain.

J.G. Bartholomew, a prominent figure in the field of cartography, was known for his dedication to accuracy and detail. His work was characterized by a harmonious blend of scientific precision and artistic elegance. The Bartholomew family, with their rich legacy in mapmaking, produced maps that were not only practical tools but also works of art. This particular map, based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map, exemplifies Bartholomew's commitment to creating maps that were both functional and beautiful, making them highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.

The map vividly portrays the natural and man-made features of Northumberland, a historic county in northeast England. The Cheviot Hills, with their rolling landscapes, dominate the western part of the map, while the eastern boundary is marked by the North Sea. The River Tweed, a significant geographical feature, delineates part of the border between England and Scotland. Other notable natural features include the River Coquet, the Simonside Hills, and the extensive Kielder Forest, each meticulously detailed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the region's topography.

In addition to its natural beauty, the map highlights several historic landmarks that add to Northumberland's rich cultural tapestry. Alnwick Castle, the ancestral seat of the Duke of Northumberland, and Bamburgh Castle, perched majestically on the northeast coast, are prominently featured. The remnants of Hadrian's Wall, a symbol of Roman engineering prowess, stretch across the landscape, marking the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain. Holy Island, also known as Lindisfarne, and the Farne Islands are depicted, underscoring their historical and ecological significance.

The map also provides a detailed view of the region's infrastructure, showcasing towns and villages such as Alnwick, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Morpeth, and Hexham. These settlements, each with its unique history and charm, are intricately mapped, reflecting the area's vibrant human geography. The careful depiction of roads and railways illustrates the connectivity and accessibility of Northumberland at the turn of the 20th century, making this map an invaluable resource for understanding the historical and geographical context of this fascinating region.

Cities and towns on this map

• Northumberland
• Alnwick
• Berwick-upon-Tweed
• Belford
• Wooler
• Rothbury
• Warkworth
• Amble
• Seahouses
  

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Natural features:
• Cheviot Hills
• North Sea
• River Tweed
• River Coquet
• Simonside Hills
• Kielder Forest
• Holy Island (Lindisfarne)
• Farne Islands
• Historic landmarks:
• Alnwick Castle
  
• Bamburgh Castle
• Warkworth Castle

Historical and design context

• Map title: Sheet 1 - Northumberland - North
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Purpose: Popular with cyclists and tourists for its clarity and attractive design.
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew, created in 1901.
• Context about the mapmaker: J.G. Bartholomew was a notable Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps. The Bartholomew family were prominent mapmakers, and their works were highly regarded for their accuracy and aesthetic appeal.
• Design and style:
• Uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief.
• Subtle gradation of color bands to show land at different heights.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Historical significance: Reflects early 20th-century cartographic techniques and the growing popularity of recreational cycling and tourism.
• Countries and regions shown: Northumberland, a historic county in the northeast of England.

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 16x20in (40x50cm) 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.