22 November 'Maps of Cheshire'

These days, we take maps for granted. With the internet and tools like Google maps, we can quickly find and view places anywhere in the world from the comfort of our homes. Jonathan Pepler, recently retired as head of Cheshire Record Office, gave us an insight into a time when maps were just starting to evolve. He described the development of maps from 16th to 19th centuries, showing examples of early British and Cheshire maps. Jonathan also introduced us to the first map makers such as Christopher Saxton and Cheshire born John Speed. Much of the initial detailed surveying was sponsored by landowners wanting to define their estates.
One significant historical event was the publication of 'Tithe Maps' in the early/mid 18th century. These maps were produced to show the owners and occupiers of land in English and Welsh parishes as part of the change from paying tithes in produce to paying in cash. Pioneering work has been carried out by Cheshire Records Office to make the Cheshire tithe maps available online as a resource to the public and historians. Please visit Tithe maps for a fascinating browse.