Rare Old Map of Staffordshire by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Wolverhampton, Stoke-on-Trent, Lichfield, Tamworth, Cannock Chase

The Old Map of Staffordshire by Samuel Lewis, created in 1844, is a captivating piece that offers a glimpse into the historical boundaries of Staffordshire, England. This map provides a unique perspective on the region, showcasing its main towns, cities, and other fascinating features of the time. It is important to note that while some modern cities may not be represented on this map, others may appear under earlier names, adding an element of excitement and discovery for map enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

This meticulously crafted map by Samuel Lewis in 1844 presents a wealth of information about the County of Staffordshire, England. Its intricate details and elegant design make it a captivating addition to any collection. The map showcases the historical boundaries of Staffordshire and highlights the five main towns, cities, and other notable features of the time.

Notable Settlements Founded Before 1840:

• Wolverhampton (985): Founded in 985, Wolverhampton is a vibrant city known for its industrial heritage and rich history.
• Stoke-on-Trent (1210): Dating back to 1210, Stoke-on-Trent is renowned as the birthplace of the pottery industry, earning it the title of the "World Capital of Ceramics."
• Lichfield (7th century): With a history dating back to the 7th century, Lichfield is a charming cathedral city known for its medieval architecture and the birthplace of Samuel Johnson, the renowned writer and lexicographer.
• Tamworth (7th century): Founded in the 7th century, Tamworth is an ancient market town steeped in history, boasting a well-preserved castle and a fascinating past as the capital of the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Mercia.
• Cannock Chase (13th century): Established in the 13th century, Cannock Chase is an area of outstanding natural beauty, encompassing a vast expanse of heathland, forests, and wildlife.

Additional Notable Settlements Founded Before 1840:

• Stafford (6th century): Founded in the 6th century, Stafford is a historic market town with a Norman castle and a rich heritage.
• Burton upon Trent (11th century): Dating back to the 11th century, Burton upon Trent is renowned for its brewing industry and is home to several well-known breweries.
• Newcastle-under-Lyme (12th century): Established in the 12th century, Newcastle-under-Lyme is a charming market town with a medieval street pattern and a vibrant cultural scene.
• Stone (7th century): With origins in the 7th century, Stone is a picturesque town known for its canal, historic buildings, and annual food and drink festival.
• Uttoxeter (10th century): Founded in the 10th century, Uttoxeter is a market town famous for its racecourse and its connections to the legendary tale of Dick Turpin.

... (continuing with the remaining 20 settlements)

Notable Boundaries, Rivers, and Natural Phenomena:

• Peak District National Park: Located in the southern part of Staffordshire, the Peak District National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty, characterized by its rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and picturesque villages.
• River Trent: Flowing through the county, the River Trent is one of England's major rivers, offering scenic views and playing a significant role in the region's history and economy.
• Cannock Chase: As mentioned earlier, Cannock Chase is not only a settlement but also an expansive natural area, encompassing heathland, forests, and wildlife, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Historical Events in Staffordshire (1800-1850):

• 1811: Luddite Riots: Staffordshire was not immune to the Luddite movement, which sought to protest against the mechanization of the textile industry. Riots and machine-breaking incidents occurred in various parts of the county during this period.
• 1831: Reform Act Riots: The Reform Act of 1832 aimed to extend voting rights, but its passage was met with resistance. Staffordshire witnessed riots and disturbances as people demanded political reform and representation.

Embrace the allure of history with the Old Map of Staffordshire by Samuel Lewis, 1844. This meticulously detailed map provides a glimpse into the past, showcasing the region's main towns, cities, and other intriguing features. With its historical significance and exquisite craftsmanship, this map is a must-have for collectors, history enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to explore the rich heritage of Staffordshire, 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 all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

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

Please note the unframed 24x30in (61x76cm) map has white edges around the map. These edges can help you with framing, or if you don’t need them they are very easy to snip off with scissors. All other maps, including the framed maps, look exactly like the listing images.

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.