Davies’ New Map of London and its Environs

Stunningly detailed map of London on a scale of 2 inches to a mile.

Although it’s use as a reference for day-to-day transportation around the city is suspect, this Benjamin Davies map of London provides a detailed view of the London area near the end of the 19th century. The impressive size of the sheet and fine steel engraving method allows for the individual labeling of roads, buildings, and other points of interest, plus topographical hatching, wooded areas and bodies of water. Splashes of color add organizational context between the boroughs, while natural elements such as water and grass are colored in addition to the major rail lines serving the city.

The map was compiled by Benjamin Davies, an early adopter of the steel plate method of engraving who did much of his own surveying. The delicate lines and attention to detail made him a popular cartographer in London, and led to regular publishing partnerships with Edward Stanford. Today the Stanford firm still publishes maps and remains one of the most important and prolific cartographic publishers in the world.