Early atlases and county maps of Britain and Ireland

What you can find in the Library

The Library has a large collection of early maps and atlases of the British Isles.

Maps are often listed under the name of a county, shire or province.

County maps provide place names, boundaries, topographical, demographic, road and rail information, larger estates and other features.

Some atlases include gazetteers giving details of places listed.

Only a few atlases have been digitised, however most maps on single sheets before 1900 have been digitised and can be zoomed in on for details.

Robert Morden et al, Kent, 1695, detail, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-231505192

Emanuel Bowen, An accurate map of Nottingham Shire describing its wapontakes and divisions drawn from the best authorities, assisted by the most approved modern maps, with various improvements. Illustrated with historical extracts relative to its natural produce, air, soil, trade, manufactures and present state of the principal towns, 1785, nla.gov.au/nla.obj-230785359

How to search, find and access items

Search the catalogue

To search for county maps:

Search the catalogue for the county name (for example, Nottinghamshire).
From the Limit your search options on the right-hand side, select Format, then Maps.
Sort the results by Date Old to New.

To search for atlases of the British Isles:

Search the catalogue for the name of the country and the word atlas (for example, England atlas or Scotland atlas).
From the Limit your search options on the right-hand side, select Format, then Maps.

Request to view the map at the Library

If the map or atlas you want is not digitised, you can request to view the map at the Library in one of our reading rooms.

Open the catalogue record
Click Request
Click Select
Complete the rest of the details of the form and submit your request.

How to order copies of maps

Once you have identified maps of interest, you can order copies of material that is out of copyright using our Copies Direct service.

If the item you wish to order is a single map:

Click on Order a Copy at the top of the catalogue record
Select Whole item and complete the order.

If the item you wish to order is a map within an atlas:

Click on Order a Copy at the top of the catalogue record
Select Part(s) of item and specify the page or plate required in the Sheet/Plate number field and complete the order.

Get help with your research

Our specialist staff can help you with your research, to locate resources and use our microform and scanning equipment but they cannot undertake extensive or ongoing genealogical, historical or other research on your behalf.

Find out more in our Information and research services policy.

Ask a Librarian