If you are interested in old maps of Devon, you will enjoy the Devon in 1840 series of historical maps. Based on the Devon tithe maps, each sheet in the series covers a particular locality in the county, showing in great detail what the area was like around the year 1840. Not simply reproductions, these are new maps that present tithe map information using clear, colourful and attractive modern cartography.
Most of the information in the maps has come from the Devon tithe map collection in The National Archives. Tithe maps are the oldest detailed maps that exist for most places in Devon, and they are significantly older than the first large-scale Ordnance Survey maps. To make the Devon in 1840 maps, the tithe maps have been redrawn to a uniform design and scale, and joined together seamlessly along their edges. Thousands of place-names (including field-names) have then been added to the maps, copied from tithe apportionment documents.
Although tithe maps are the most important sources of information, many other old maps of Devon have been consulted while making this series. Historic boundaries, turnpike roads, archaeological features, and some more place-names have been added to the Devon in 1840 maps using these other sources. The aim of the series is to be a uniquely detailed record of Devon’s landscape just before the first railways were built.
The maps published so far cover north Devon, and they include information from more than 150 north Devon tithe maps. Please take a look at the Gallery to see what the maps look like, and the Shop to find out what sheets are available. If you would like more information, please see the Resources area which includes a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.
