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Historical mapping FAQs

I would like to get an historical paper map, how do I do this?

We have not held any historical maps since 2008. However, we do still sell a limited reproduction range of 1 inch to 1 mile maps (revised from the late 1800s and published in the early years of the 1900s). We also offer various historical products produced by our licensed partners from our Historical Maps section of our online map shop.

Customers may be able to view various other historical maps free of charge at local libraries. A small charge may be made for a copy if required. Licensing terms and conditions apply to mapping still in copyright (mapping produced within the last 50 years).

Legal Deposit Libraries hold more extensive collections and offer reading and copying facilities for customers willing to visit and carry out their own searches:

  • The British Library
  • Bodleian Library Oxford
  • Cambridge University Library
  • National Library of Scotland
  • Library of Trinity College Dublin
  • National Library of Wales

If these sources do not hold the information you are looking for, the Landmark Information Group sells digital versions of many maps dating from 1840 to 1995. Mapping can be viewed and purchased online from their 'old maps' website.

Why is the historical mapping archive no longer part of your new building?

The preservation of historic documents requires specialised skills and we are not resourced to carry out this particular activity. Consequently, as part of the process for moving to our new head office at the beginning of 2011, we undertook an extensive project to relocate the historical maps to an organisation who could correctly preserve and maintain them.

We continue to sell a limited reproduction range of 1 inch to 1 mile maps (revised from the late 1800s and published in the early years of the 1900s) from our Leisure Map Shop as well as various historical products produced by our Licensed Partners.

The original historical maps now reside with local libraries around the country and you may be able to find the historical maps that you wish to view there.

Legal Deposit Libraries hold more extensive collections and offer reading and copying facilities for customers willing to visit and carry out their own searches. Please find contact details for these libraries below.

I would like to get an historical map as a gift, where can I buy this?

We sell a series of 477 historical maps which were revised from the end of the 19th century and published in the early 1900s. The maps use the traditional 1 inch to 1 mile scale, showing contours, latitude and longitude, parish boundaries, railways, roads, waterways and woods. Reproductions of these original maps can be purchased from our historical maps section of our online map shop. These maps are suitable as gifts and for framing.

Can I view historical maps online?

Yes, Landmark Information Group sells digital versions of many maps dating from 1840 to 1995 and these can be viewed and purchased online from their website www.old-maps.co.uk

Useful resources

For general enquiries, complaints, feedback or suggestions, email: customerservices@ordnancesurvey.co.uk or call us on 08456 05 05 05