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This intricate map, titled Davies's New Map of the British Metropolis, published in 1871, provides a fine overview of the urban and suburban areas surrounding London. It delineates boundaries of boroughs, county court districts, railways, and the latest infrastructural developments, reflecting the extensive urbanization and modernization of London during the Victorian era.
The map was created during a period of rapid industrial growth and urban expansion in London. The 19th century saw the city transform into a global financial and cultural hub. This era was marked by significant advancements in infrastructure, including the expansion of the railway network, which facilitated greater connectivity and urban sprawl. The map captures the city as it was integrating these modern improvements, providing a snapshot of London's urban planning and development at the time.
The map is color-coded to distinguish various features and areas:
- Boundaries of Counties: Represented with distinct lines to indicate administrative divisions.
- Boroughs: Highlighted to show the jurisdictional areas within the metropolis.
- County Court Districts: Marked to reflect the judicial boundaries pertinent to the administration of law and order.
- Railways: Illustrated to show both completed lines and those under construction, indicating the critical role of rail transport in the city's expansion.
- Modern Improvements: These include newly developed areas, public buildings, and other significant urban developments, illustrating the ongoing transformation of the metropolis.
The map's detailed depiction of railways and stations underscores the importance of the railway system in shaping London's growth. Railways were pivotal in connecting different parts of the city, enabling the movement of goods and people, and contributing to the city's economic vitality. The boundaries of boroughs and county court districts highlight the administrative organization necessary to manage a rapidly growing urban population.
Edward Stanford (1827-1904) was a prominent British mapmaker and publisher. A native of Holborn in the heart of London, Edward was apprenticed to a printer and stationer at the age of 14. After his first master died, he worked with several others, including Trelawny W. Saunders of Charing Cross. Saunders oversaw young Edward’s early career, ensuring that he became a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. Associations with the Society eventually brought Sanders much business and gave him a reputation as a publisher of explorers. As testament to this reputation, the Stanford Range in British Columbia was named for him by John Palliser.
Stanford briefly partnered with Saunders in 1852 before striking out on his own in 1853. He was an agent for the Ordnance Survey, the Admiralty, the Geological Survey, the Trigonometrical Survey of India, and the India Office. He also controlled the maps of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, another lucrative source of income. In 1857, Stanford founded his namesake Geographical Establishment, with Saunders and A. K. Johnston as engravers. Thereafter, Stanford was known for his “library maps”, particularly those of Africa and Asia.
Addresses and Years of Operation:
- 6 Charing Cross, London (1848): Edward Stanford's initial place of employment at Trelawney Saunders' shop.
- 7 and 8 Charing Cross, London (1853): Stanford expanded his shop to these addresses.
- 55 Charing Cross, London (1873): The shop moved to this larger location.
- 12-14 Long Acre, London (1873): Site of the new print works and current flagship store.
- 7 Mercer Walk, London (2019): Stanfords moved to this address, continuing its legacy.
Stanford's work with Chief Cartographer John Bolton, including the 1858 Library Map of Europe, positioned the company as a leader in quality cartography during a time of exploration and colonialism. Their 1862 Library Map of London earned acclaim from the Royal Geographical Society. With the business thriving, Stanford purchased Staunton & Son in 1877 and, upon retiring in 1885, handed over the reins to his son, Edward Stanford II.
As sole agents for Ordnance Survey Maps, the company's influence and reputation grew, culminating in the Stanford’s London Atlas Of Universal Geography, which was presented to Queen Victoria in 1887. The transition into the 20th century saw further integration of retail, print, and cartographic operations at Long Acre.
During World War I, Stanford's became an essential publisher for the War Office. Edward Fraser Stanford took over in 1917, steering the company through the interwar period and innovations, such as the world’s smallest maps in 1922 and the Daily Mail Motor Road Map in 1926.
Withstanding a bombing in WWII, the company continued under the stewardship of John Keith Stanford and was sold to George Philip & Son in 1947. As it adapted to the digital age, Stanfords received the Ordnance Survey Premier Partner status in 2007 and ventured into online mapping and data services.
Stanfords, now an icon for travellers and explorers, has maintained its cultural relevance and retail success well into the 21st century, underpinned by a legacy of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to cartographic excellence.
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