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Where to get historical mapping
1 inch to 1 mile scale Historical Mapping
This series of 477 historical maps was revised from the late 1800s and published in the early years of the 1900s. The maps show contours, latitude and longitude, parish boundaries, railways, roads, waterways and woods.
See how your home town looked a hundred years ago and order your own Historical Map!
Other Historical Mapping Enquiries
Due to our impending office move, Ordnance Survey can no longer take enquiries for reproductions of historic mapping directly from our customers. Apart for 1 inch to 1 mile scale maps.
The maps held in our archive are a public record, experts from The National Archives in London will be helping us to find new homes for the mapping over the coming months.
To ensure the maps continue to be well cared for, many will be placed with The National Archives and with legal deposit libraries throughout the country.
For more information please read the frequently asked questions below
Q. I have an existing query, will I get my mapping?
A. We will endeavour to meet all orders for mapping received prior to 31st July 2008. Any queries that come in after this date will be redirected to alternative sources of historical mapping.
Q. Where can I get historic mapping from?
A. One inch county series mapping can still be ordered online from our on line map shop.
Copyright Libraries and local libraries allow access to the public to search and view mapping free of charge. (A small charge may be required for copying). For boundary information please contact the Land Registry or view our FAQ’s on our boundary page.
Ordnance Surveys Partners Landmark Information Group, GroundSure Ltd and Cassini Publishing Ltd offer online provision of historic mapping for consumer and business markets. All have extensive archives that cover many scales and epochs’ from early 1840 to 1995. Mapping can be viewed and purchased on line and can be delivered using various media. For more information please visit GroundSure Ltd, Landmark Information Group and Cassini Publishing Ltd websites.
Q. Can I still order Historic Mapping from Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centres?
A. Ordnance Survey will not be supplying historic mapping through the Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centres but Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centres should be contacted individually as they also offer mapping from other suppliers. Customers can find their nearest Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centre by visiting our stockist page. Please note that each Ordnance Survey Mapping and Data Centre set their own price for products and services, so prices may vary from one supplier to another.
Q. I only want to look at the information on the map and not to purchase it – where can I do this?
A. Customers wishing for view historical mapping can visit their local library. A small charge may be made for a copy if required. Licensing terms and conditions apply to all copyrighted mapping – mapping produced within the last 50 years.
Copyright libraries and The National Archive offer viewing and copying facilities for customers wishing to visit and carry out their own searches.
Library of Trinity College Dublin
Q. I want information on historic boundaries where can I get this?
A. Customers requesting historic information relating to boundaries should contact The Land Registry.
Q. What is Ordnance Survey doing with the mapping?
A. As the mapping is considered a public record The National Archives at Kew in London will be assisting Ordnance Survey to rehome the mapping with legal deposit libraries throughout the country. Local Libraries and other beneficiaries will also be recipients of some mapping. All movements of mapping will conform to the Public Records Act
Q. I have an enquiry which requires interpretation of historic mapping – where can I get an answer?
A. An ‘Expert Witness’ may be able to help answer mapping interpretation questions. Further information on Expert Witness services and the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) can be found on our boundary page - FAQ’s 10 & 11