Rare Old OS Map of North Lancashire & Isle of Man by Bartholomew, 1901: Lancaster, Douglas, Morecambe, Snaefell, Blackpool, Blackburn

Step into the past with the exquisite "Sheet 5 - North Lancashire & Isle of Man," a masterful creation by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901. Known as "the Prince of Cartographers," Bartholomew's work is celebrated for its meticulous detail and innovative design. This map, part of Bartholomew's flagship series, was crafted at a half-inch to the mile scale, making it a prized possession for cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century. The map offers a captivating glimpse into the historical geography of North Lancashire and the Isle of Man, regions rich in both natural beauty and historical significance.

The map's design is a testament to Bartholomew's cartographic prowess, featuring a nuanced gradation of color bands to represent landscape relief. This technique not only enhances the map's aesthetic appeal but also provides a clear and intuitive understanding of the terrain. The lush greens and earthy browns delineate the rolling hills and valleys, while the subtle blues trace the rivers and coastlines. This visual representation is based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period, ensuring both accuracy and artistic finesse.

North Lancashire, depicted in intricate detail, is a region steeped in history and natural splendor. The map highlights significant landmarks such as the Forest of Bowland, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the historic Furness Abbey. The River Lune and River Wyre meander through the landscape, emptying into the expansive Morecambe Bay. The coastal town of Fleetwood and the bustling city of Lancaster are also prominently featured, offering a snapshot of the region's vibrant communities and their historical contexts.

The Isle of Man, a self-governing British Crown dependency, is equally well-represented on this map. Dominated by the imposing Snaefell mountain, the island's topography is rendered with precision, showcasing its rugged beauty. Notable landmarks such as Peel Castle and Castle Rushen stand as testaments to the island's rich history. The map also highlights the island's transport infrastructure, including the key port of Douglas and the iconic Point of Ayre Lighthouse, guiding mariners through the Irish Sea.

This map is not just a navigational tool but a window into the past, capturing the essence of a bygone era. It reflects the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century, offering a glimpse into the leisure pursuits of the time. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of fine cartography, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of well-crafted maps, "Sheet 5 - North Lancashire & Isle of Man" is a remarkable piece that brings history to life.

Cities and towns on this map

• North Lancashire:
• Lancaster
• Blackpool
• Morecambe
• Preston
• Blackburn
• Fleetwood
• Carnforth
• Garstang
• Isle of Man:
• Douglas
• Ramsey
• Peel
• Castletown
• Port Erin
• Port St Mary

Notable Features & Landmarks

• National Parks and Major Parks:
• Forest of Bowland
• Historic Landmarks:
• Furness Abbey
• Peel Castle (Isle of Man)
• Castle Rushen (Isle of Man)
• Rivers and Water Bodies:
• River Lune
• River Wyre
• Morecambe Bay
• Irish Sea
• Mountains and Hills:
• Snaefell (Isle of Man)
• Bowland Fells
• Transport Infrastructure:
• Railways: Multiple railway lines crisscrossing the region
• Ports: Douglas (Isle of Man)
• Other Notable Features:
• Lighthouses: Point of Ayre Lighthouse (Isle of Man)
• Coastal features: Laxey Wheel (Isle of Man)

Historical and design context

• Map scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Date of creation: 1901
• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Context about the mapmaker: J.G. Bartholomew was a renowned Scottish cartographer known for his detailed and innovative maps. He was often referred to as "the Prince of Cartographers" and was instrumental in the development of thematic cartography.
• Usage: Popular with cyclists and tourists
• Design and style:
• Landscape relief: Uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief with a gradation of color bands to show land at different heights
• Base map: Reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period
• Countries and regions shown:
• North Lancashire: A historic county in the North West of England
• Isle of Man: A self-governing British Crown dependency located in the Irish Sea between Great Britain and Ireland
• Themes:
• Political and physical map: Detailed depiction of political boundaries, physical geography, and topography
• Historical significance:
• Tourism and cycling: Reflects the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century
• Cartographic innovation: Represents a significant advancement in map design and usability

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.