Old Ordnance Survey One-Inch Maps


These maps are taken from the famous OS "Inch to the Mile" Maps. Though obviously far less detailed than the large scale maps for which we are perhaps better known, they provide an invaluable overview of a wider area, typically 18 miles across by 12 miles down. For transport historians they are invaluable for showing old railways, while all historians need them for their close depiction of topography, including parish boundaries. These maps also mean that we can offer historical coverage for small villages where a large scale map would not be commercially viable. We intend to publish the whole of England and Wales in this series. Almost 200 titles are now available and we aim to publish three new titles each month. The maps include historical notes and all (except the double-sided Tyneside title) also include a large scale map of a small town or village in the area.

The maps are neatly folded and each includes a specially written introduction to the area. Maps can be purchased on our On-line Mapshop where further information about titles is given. Visit the One Inch Page for a full list of Inch to the Mile Maps, or The Index Page for a full list to the series and details of Prices.

Here is information about Sheets 39:

  • One Inch Sheet 39 Central Westmorland 1895 - published 2000; introduction by Elizabeth Clutton

    This One Inch to the Mile map covers a central area of Westmorland, coverage stretching from the east shore of Lake Windermere eastward to Langdale Fell, and from Kendal northward to Shap Wells. On the reverse is a detailed map of Bowness, including features such as the Hydropathic Hotel, Old England Hotel, Bowness Bay, numerous boathouses and stretching across to Belle Isle and Thompson's Holme. A small portion of Yorkshire is in the SE corner of the one inch map. Elizabeth Clutton refers to the "quieter, gentler fells and valleys of central Westmorland", a contrast with the more dramatic Lake District, and to the "golden age" that Westmorland farming was enjoying at the time of this map.


    It is not possible to list the many hamlets, farmsteads and other topographical features shown on these maps. However, you may find it useful if we list the towns and principal villages or church parishes that are included on this map. Links are given for those for which detailed large-scale maps are also available.

  • Yorkshire North Riding: Sedbergh.
  • Westmorland: Bowness on Windermere, Fawcett Forest, Howgill, Kendal, Orton, Skelsmergh, Staveley, Tebay, Troutbeck, Underbarrow & Bradleyfield, Winmdermere.

    For a full list of maps for the county go to the Westmorland page; or to the Cumbria page for a full list for Cumbria.

    You can order maps direct from our On-line Mapshop. For other information and prices, and other areas, go to The Index Page.


    The Godfrey Edition / godfreyedition@btinternet.com / 30 November 2005