Ordnance Survey

The one hundred and ten sheets of the Old Series Ordnance Survey, together, represent the first overall large scale map of England and Wales. The map sheets, engraved to a scale of 1 inch to one mile are very detailed and, inasmuch as they were based on a rigorous trigonometrical survey, were of unprecedented accuracy. They were also among the most beautiful examples of the contemporary map engraver’s art.
Because of the military significance of the “invasion coast” facing France, the Southern counties were covered first, being fully mapped by 1819. By 1840, the mapped area had reached the Hull – Preston line and by 1873, national coverage was complete.
Each volume in the series of eight contains an illustrated introduction and carto-bibliography. These introductions have been designed so that they build into a coherent narrative relating to the early years of the Ordnance Survey. As a special feature, the first five volumes contain a full colour plate reproducing part of an original Surveyor’s drawing relating to a sheet within that particular volume.
The eight volumes have been faithfully reproduced in the original scale on high quality paper and case bound in a format slightly larger that A4 together with a dust jacket