Oxfordshire. XXXIII. 6 [Wolvercot]

Method Zincograph
Artist [Anonymous]
Published Zincographed and Published by the Director General at the Ordnance Survey Office, Southampton, 1899.
Dimensions 640 x 967 mm
Notes An Ordnance Survey map depicting parts of North Oxford, focused on Wolvercot, and covering parts from the Duke's Lock to the Trout inn at Godstow Brigde, to the Red Barn's Farm, Davenant Road, Summertown House and Obserton Road. This map measures 25.5 x 38 inches, and uses a scale of 1:2500 inches.

Inscription to bottom left: "Surveyed in 1872 & 75. Revised in 1898."

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

Condition: Laid to linen sheet with green edge binding. Overall surface dirt built-up. Slight overall creasing. Touches in red pen, adding street names to bottom right.
Framing unmounted
Price £175.00
Stock ID 46643

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