| Method | Zincograph |
| Artist | [Anonymous] |
| Published | Zincographed and Published at the Ordnance Survey Office, Southampton, 1881 |
| Dimensions | 640 x 955 mm |
| Notes |
An Ordnance Survey map depicting part of Central Oxford, focused on the Radcliffe Observatory and Infirmary, covering terrace housing on Walton Street from The Victoria on St Bernards Road to Cardigan Street, part of Cranham Terrace and St Giles. This map measures 25 x 37.5 inches, and uses a scale of 1:500 inches. Inscription to bottom left: "Surveyed in 1876." Ordnance Survey or "OS" is the national mapping agency of Great Britain. The agency provides the most recent and accurate geographic data of Great Britain to the government, businesses and individuals. It was officially founded in 1791, but has even earlier roots. The government first ordered the department of Defence to map the Scottish Highlands after a rebellion took place there in 1745. When the French Revolution started, a survey of the English south coast was ordered. These first surveys were meant to support strategic military planning. William Roy (1726 - 1790), an engineer who worked for the government on these first surveys, became convinced that accurate mapping of Great Britain in its entirety was needed. His vision greatly influenced the foundation of the Ordnance Survey. Between 1842 and 1893, the entire country was surveyed, and would be revised every twenty years. During the 1850's, there was a debate about the most efficient scale to use for ordnance maps, better known as the "Battle of the Scales". The scale of 25 inches to the mile became the standard scale used to map urban as well as rural areas from 1855 onwards, and is still used today. The less detailed scale of six inches to the mile were used only for some uncultivated rural areas, moorlands or mountainous areas. Ex. Col.: Oxford City Council, City's Engineer Department. Condition: Laid to linen sheet with green edge binding. Overall surface dirt built-up. Slight overall creasing, as well as minor tearing to the edges. Touched in red pen adding new building blocks. |
| Framing | unmounted |
| Price | £200.00 |
| Stock ID | 46647 |