Old Map of the County of Southampton (Hampshire) by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Winchester, Portsmouth, Basingstoke

This old map of the County of Southampton, England by Samuel Lewis in 1844 is a fascinating piece of cartographic history. It provides a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the major towns, cities, and other interesting features of the region during that time period.

The County of Southampton, or Southamptonshire, would eventually be renamed Hampshire in 1959.

Owning this map allows you to explore the historical boundaries of the County of Southampton and discover the rich heritage of the area. It's important to note that some modern cities may not be present on this map, while others may be listed under earlier names, adding an exciting element of discovery.

The map showcases the five main towns and cities of the County of Southampton, excluding Southampton itself. These notable features include:

• Winchester: The ancient capital of England and a city with a rich history dating back to Roman times.
• Portsmouth: A significant naval port and home to the historic Portsmouth Dockyard.
• Basingstoke: A market town known for its role in the cloth industry and its historic buildings.
• Andover: A market town with a history dating back to Saxon times, known for its connections to the wool trade.
• Romsey: A charming market town with a beautiful abbey and a history dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era.

In addition to these main towns, the map also includes a comprehensive list of 30 notable settlements, cities, counties, and colonies that were founded before 1840 within the historical boundaries of the County of Southampton. Here are some highlights from that list:

• Southampton (founded in the Roman period): A major port city with a rich maritime history.
• Portchester (founded in Roman times): Known for its well-preserved Roman fort.
• Petersfield (founded in the 12th century): A market town with a medieval church and historic buildings.
• Lymington (founded in the 13th century): A coastal town with a long history of shipbuilding and trading.
• Totton (founded in the 19th century): Originally a small hamlet, it grew rapidly during the Industrial Revolution.

These settlements and many others on the map offer a glimpse into the diverse history and development of the County of Southampton.

Notable boundaries, rivers, and natural features depicted on the map include the River Test, the New Forest, the Isle of Wight, and the Solent. These landmarks continue to be modern-day tourist attractions, showcasing the natural beauty and historical significance of the region.

Between 1800 and 1850, the County of Southampton witnessed several significant historical events. These include the expansion of the railway network, the growth of the maritime industry, and the impact of the Industrial Revolution on the region's economy and society.

Owning this old map of the County of Southampton allows you to delve into the past and explore the historical boundaries, notable settlements, and natural features of this captivating region in England. It is a valuable piece for history enthusiasts, cartography aficionados, and anyone with an appreciation for the beauty and significance of old maps.

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 24x30in (61x76cm), 32x40in (81.5x102cm) and 40x50in (102x127cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 50in (127cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40.5x51cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my main collection of UK and Ireland maps.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.