Rare Old Map of Leeds in 1851 by John Rapkin

Engraved by John Rapkin and published by J. Tallis & Co in 1851, this is one of the finest and most detailed historic maps of Bristol and Clifton that you can find from the peak of industrialised Victorian Britain. There are lovely engravings adorn the edges of the map, including the Town Hall, Kirkstall Abbey, Wellington Bridge, and New Gaol.

This map looks great at all sizes: 12x16 inches (31x41cm), 18x24 inches (45.5x61cm) and 24x36 inches (61x91.5cm), but it looks even better when printed large.

I can create beautiful, large prints of this map up to 52x70 inches (130x180cm). Please get in touch if you're looking for larger, customised or different framing options.

The model in the listing images is holding the 36x24 inch (90x60cm) version of this map.

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

Many of the streets and buildings near the River Aire are the same as today, including the main Leeds railway station - though back in 1851 it was called Bradford station. Just north of the station, York Place and Park Place are still there today - though they look very different. Notably, the massive Leeds General Infirmary isn't on this map - it moved to its current site in 1869. Also the A64 is here - but back in 1851 it was called York Road!

Outside of Leeds city centre, many of the suburbs in 1851 were still fields and moorland. Holbeck Moor, Hunslet Moor, Woodhouse Moor, and of course Little London are all rendered beautifully on this old map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving or housewarming gift for someone from Leeds or has a soft spot for Leeds.

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.