Rare Old OS Map of North Wales by Bartholomew, 1901: Snowdon, Caernarfon, Llandudno, Menai Strait, Conwy, Anglesey

Sheet 11 - North Wales, created by the esteemed cartographer J.G. Bartholomew in 1901, is a masterful blend of artistry and precision. Bartholomew, renowned for his innovative use of color and detail, designed this map at a half-inch to the mile scale (1:126,720), making it both a practical tool for travelers and a beautiful piece of art. The map showcases the intricate landscape of North Wales, using a subtle gradation of color bands to depict different elevations, a technique that was groundbreaking at the time. This method not only highlights the physical beauty of the region but also provides a clear and attractive visual representation that was particularly popular among cyclists and tourists of the early 20th century.

The map covers an extensive area of North Wales, stretching 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east. It includes the rugged terrain of Snowdonia, with its highest peak, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), prominently featured. The map also details the Menai Strait, which separates the Isle of Anglesey from the mainland, and the scenic lakes such as Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake), Llyn Padarn, and Llyn Peris. Rivers like the Dee, Conwy, and Mawddach are meticulously charted, providing a comprehensive view of the region's natural waterways. The use of color to represent landscape relief is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, offering a clear understanding of the area's topography.

Historically significant landmarks are also marked, adding depth to the map's narrative. Castles such as Caernarfon, Harlech, Conwy, and Beaumaris, all part of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are highlighted, reflecting the rich medieval history of Wales. The map also points to the locations of major slate quarries like Dinorwic and Penrhyn, which were vital during the Industrial Revolution. Additionally, it includes the Ffestiniog Railway, one of the oldest narrow-gauge railways in the world, and the Great Orme Tramway in Llandudno, showcasing the region's early transport innovations.

The towns and cities marked on the map, including Bangor, Caernarfon, Llandudno, and Wrexham, provide a snapshot of the human settlements in North Wales at the turn of the 20th century. Each of these places has its own unique history and charm, from the university city of Bangor to the historic market town of Caernarfon, known for its imposing castle. The map also captures smaller towns like Porthmadog, Pwllheli, and Blaenau Ffestiniog, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Welsh culture and history.

J.G. Bartholomew's map of North Wales is not just a geographical representation; it is a historical document that captures the essence of a region steeped in natural beauty and historical significance. The detailed depiction of political and physical features, combined with Bartholomew's innovative design, makes this map a valuable piece for collectors and history enthusiasts alike. It serves as a window into the past, offering insights into the landscape, landmarks, and life in North Wales over a century ago.

Cities and towns on this map:

• Gwynedd:
• Bangor
• Caernarfon
• Porthmadog
• Pwllheli
• Blaenau Ffestiniog
• Barmouth (Abermaw)
• Criccieth
• Harlech
• Conwy:
• Llandudno
• Conwy
• Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn):
• Holyhead
• Beaumaris
• Llangefni
• Denbighshire:
• Denbigh
• Ruthin
• Llangollen
• Wrexham:
• Wrexham

Notable Features & Landmarks:

• National Parks and Major Parks:
• Snowdonia National Park
• Historic Landmarks:
• Caernarfon Castle
• Harlech Castle
• Conwy Castle
• Beaumaris Castle
• Natural Features:
• Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
• Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake)
• Llyn Padarn and Llyn Peris
• Llyn Cwellyn
• Llyn Ogwen
• Menai Strait
• Rivers: River Dee, River Conwy, and River Mawddach
• Historical Events:
• Battle of Tuthill (1401)
• Slate Quarries: Dinorwic Quarry and Penrhyn Quarry
• Transport:
• Ffestiniog Railway
• Great Orme Tramway

Historical and design context:

• Mapmaker/Publisher: J.G. Bartholomew
• Renowned Scottish cartographer and geographer known for his innovative and detailed maps.
• Scale: Half-inch to the mile (1:126,720)
• Design and style:
• Uses different layers of color to represent landscape relief.
• Based on a reduced Ordnance Survey map from the same period.
• Historical significance:
• Part of Bartholomew's flagship series, popular among cyclists and tourists.
• Reflects the growing popularity of cycling and tourism in the early 20th century.
• Coverage area:
• North Wales, covering 36 miles from north to south and 52 miles from west to east.
• Themes and topics:
• Detailed political and physical features, including roads, railways, rivers, and topographical features.

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.