Rare Old OS Map of Sussex by Bartholomew, 1901: Brighton, Hastings, South Downs, Arundel Castle, Beachy Head

"Sheet 32 - Sussex," crafted by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, stands as a testament to the meticulous artistry and precision of early 20th-century mapmaking. Bartholomew, renowned for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps, created this half-inch to the mile scale map (1:126,720) to cater to the needs of cyclists and tourists. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, showcasing the region of Sussex in the British Isles with unparalleled clarity and detail.

The design of this map is particularly noteworthy for its innovative use of color to represent landscape relief. Different layers of color bands subtly gradate to show land at various heights, providing a vivid and informative representation of the terrain. The South Downs, with their rolling chalk hills, are prominently featured, along with other natural landmarks such as Beachy Head's iconic chalk cliffs and the lush expanse of Ashdown Forest. The map's aesthetic appeal is matched by its functional design, making it a prized possession for both collectors and history enthusiasts.

Sussex's rich historical tapestry is woven into the map, highlighting significant landmarks and events. The site of the Battle of Hastings, where William the Conqueror's forces triumphed in 1066, is marked near Hastings. Castles like Bodiam and Arundel stand as majestic reminders of the region's medieval heritage. The map also traces the intricate network of rivers, including the Ouse, Arun, and Adur, which have shaped the landscape and history of Sussex over centuries.

In addition to its historical landmarks, the map meticulously details the infrastructure of early 20th-century Sussex. An extensive railway network crisscrosses the region, connecting bustling towns and serene countryside. Major roads and highways are clearly delineated, reflecting the growing importance of transportation in an era of increasing mobility. The map also captures the serene beauty of the English Channel coastline, with notable features such as the Isle of Thorney and Cuckmere Haven.

The cities and towns of Sussex, from the vibrant Brighton to the quaint Rye, are prominently featured, providing a snapshot of the region's urban landscape at the turn of the century. Each settlement, from the bustling port of Newhaven to the historic town of Lewes, is meticulously plotted, offering a glimpse into the lives and communities that have thrived in Sussex. This map not only serves as a geographical guide but also as a historical document, preserving the legacy of a region rich in natural beauty and historical significance.

Cities and towns on this map

• Brighton (modern-day population: approximately 290,000)
• Hastings (modern-day population: approximately 92,000)
• Eastbourne (modern-day population: approximately 103,000)
• Worthing (modern-day population: approximately 110,000)
• Crawley (modern-day population: approximately 112,000)
• Bexhill (modern-day population: approximately 43,000)
• Horsham (modern-day population: approximately 55,000)
• Haywards Heath (modern-day population: approximately 34,000)
• Burgess Hill (modern-day population: approximately 30,000)
• Lewes (modern-day population: approximately 17,000)
• Arundel (modern-day population: approximately 3,500)
• Rye (modern-day population: approximately 4,500)
• Battle (modern-day population: approximately 6,000)
• Newhaven (modern-day population: approximately 12,000)
• Shoreham-by-Sea (modern-day population: approximately 20,000)
• Littlehampton (modern-day population: approximately 27,000)
• East Grinstead

Notable Features & Landmarks

• National Parks and Major Parks:
• South Downs (an area of chalk hills)
• Historic Landmarks and Historical Events:
• Battle of Hastings (1066) site near Hastings
• Bodiam Castle
• Arundel Castle
• Natural Features:
• The English Channel coastline
• Beachy Head (noted for its chalk cliffs)
• High Weald (an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty)
• Ashdown Forest
• River Ouse
• River Arun
• River Adur
• Infrastructure:
• Extensive railway network
• Major roads and highways
• Other:
• Isle of Thorney
• Pevensey Levels (wetland area)
• Cuckmere Haven

Historical and design context

• Name of the map: Sheet 32 - Sussex
• Scale and popularity:
• The map is at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720)
• Popular with cyclists and tourists and became Bartholomew's flagship series
• Design and style:
• Distinctive for using different layers of color to represent landscape relief
• Subtle and innovative gradation of color bands used to show land at different heights
• Creation date: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher:
• Created by J.G. Bartholomew
• Bartholomew was a renowned cartographer known for his detailed and aesthetically pleasing maps
• Based on:
• The map is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period
• Themes and topics:
• Detailed political and physical map
• Shows landscape relief, roads, railways, and physical features
• Regions shown:
• Covers the region of Sussex in the British Isles
• Historical significance:
• Reflects early 20th-century cartographic techniques and the importance of detailed maps for travel and tourism
• Provides historical insight into the geography and infrastructure of Sussex at the turn of the century

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.