Old Map of Norfolk by Samuel Lewis, 1844: Norwich, King's Lynn, Great Yarmouth, Thetford, and Dereham

Step back in time with this beautiful, intricately detailed map of the county of Norfolk, drawn by the esteemed Samuel Lewis in 1844. Immerse yourself in the historical beauty of England’s eastern lands, before the vast changes of the Industrial Revolution took full effect. Lewis's careful attention to detail allows us to glimpse the shape of Norfolk as it was over a century and a half ago, telling the tale of its rich historical narrative. Some modern cities may not be present on this map, or you might find them bearing an earlier name, allowing you a unique perspective into the past of these settlements.

This grand old map of Norfolk is not only a piece of art, but also a historic artifact offering valuable insights into the county's past. It's a testament to the era of the mid-19th century, illustrating the intricate network of settlements, the transportation infrastructure, and the important landmarks of the time. This map becomes especially significant considering the rapid changes the region underwent soon after its creation. Even as urban landscapes change and cities grow, Lewis's work stands as a testament to Norfolk's rich history and growth.

Settlements:

• Norwich (founded in the Roman Period, 43 AD) - One of England's oldest cities, it was an important market town in Medieval times and home to a Norman cathedral and castle.
• King's Lynn (12th Century) - An important medieval port, it was one of England's most vital ports in the 14th century.
• Great Yarmouth (1108 AD) - Known for its long sandy beach, it was a major fishing port and seaside resort during the 19th century.
• Thetford (c. 20 AD) - One of the oldest towns in Norfolk, it was the historic capital of East Anglia.
• Dereham (7th Century) - Known as the "Heart of Norfolk," it boasts a rich history and is the geographic centre of the county.
• Wymondham (10th Century) - A market town famous for its historic abbey and its role in the 1549 Kett's Rebellion.
• North Walsham (13th Century) - Known for the 1381 Peasants' Revolt.
• Attleborough (around 500 AD) - A settlement with roots in the Saxon period.
• Diss (11th Century) - Named for its beautiful 6-acre lake, Diss Mere.
• Cromer (13th Century) - Known for its Victorian pier, it's a popular seaside resort.

Notable Features:

• The Norfolk Broads - A series of rivers and lakes, a popular boating area.
• River Yare, River Waveney, River Bure, and River Wensum - Significant waterways depicted on the map.
• The Wash - An important estuary and bay, one of the most outstanding estuaries in the United Kingdom.
• Peddars Way - A historical Roman road in Norfolk.

Historical Events:

• Between 1800 and 1850, Norfolk was a vital agricultural region, seeing the introduction of new farming techniques that increased production.
• The Norwich School of painters, the first provincial art movement in Britain, was active during this time.
• The construction of the Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Railway began in 1844, the same year this map was made, marking an important development in regional transportation.

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: 8x10in (20.5x25.5cm), 12x16in (30.5x41cm), 18x24in (45.5x61cm), 16x20in (40.5x51cm), 24x36in (61x91.5cm), 30x40in (76x101.5cm) and 37x50in (94x127cm), 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 18x24in (45.5x61cm) 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.

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. On maps up to 36 inches (91cm) the frame is 1.5-3cm (0.6in to 1in) wide. I use thicker frames on larger maps - usually between 35 and 60mm (1.4in to 2.4in).

In all cases I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

A few different frame colours are available for free (black, brown, white, oak and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.

Some of my old maps are now available as framed canvases. Please contact me if you'd like to order a size that isn't available on my shop.

Canvas old maps are an interesting alternative to conventionally framed maps. Depending on your personal taste and room decor, canvas maps can "pop" a bit more than a framed map.

Learn more about my framed canvas maps.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I have specialist printing and framing facilities in 17 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My maps are extremely high quality reproductions of original maps.

I source original, extremely rare maps from libraries, auction houses and private collections around the world, restore them at my London workshop, and then use specialist giclée inks and printers to create beautiful maps that look even better than the original.

My maps are printed on acid-free archival matte (not glossy) paper that feels very high quality and almost like card. In technical terms the paper weight/thickness is 10mil/200gsm. It's perfect for framing.

I print with Epson ultrachrome giclée UV fade resistant pigment inks - some of the best inks you can find.

I can also make maps on canvas, cotton rag and other exotic materials.

Learn more about how the Unique Maps Co. sources and restores old maps

Map personalisation

If you're looking for the perfect anniversary or housewarming gift, I can personalise your map to make it truly unique. For example, I can add a short message, or highlight an important location, or add your family's coat of arms.

The options are almost infinite. Please see my map personalisation page for some wonderful examples of what's possible.

To order a personalised map, select "personalise your map" before adding it to your basket.

Get in touch if you're looking for more complex customisations and personalisations.

If you are not happy with your unique map for any reason, contact me for a no-quibble refund.

I am very confident you will like your old map. I have been doing this since 1984. I'm a 5-star Etsy seller. I have sold tens of thousands of maps and have over 1,500 real 5-star reviews.

I use a unique process to restore my maps that is massively time consuming and labour intensive. Hunting down the original maps can take months. I use state of the art and eye-wateringly expensive technology to scan and restore the maps. As a result, I guarantee my maps are a cut above the rest - that's why I can offer a no-quibble refund.

Almost all of my maps look amazing at large sizes (200cm, 6.5ft+) and I can frame and deliver them to you as well, via special oversized courier. Contact me to discuss your specific needs.