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Scarce map of the Upper Nile region, published by Edward Stanford.
The map provides a detailed and accurate depiction of the region in central and eastern Africa, centered on the course of the two branches of the Upper Nile from Khartum and Korti to the area around Abu Ahmed. The map shows the location of towns, and other settlements in the region, along with numerous overland routes, wadies and settlements.
The upper Nile region in central and eastern Africa was a vast and largely unexplored area. In the 1880s, the area was of great interest to European explorers and expeditions, who were seeking to map and study the region. The area was also of great strategic importance. The area around Khartum and Korti is an important part of the upper Nile region, and it was the focus of much exploration and study in the 1880s. The city of Khartum, in particular, was of great interest to European explorers, who were seeking to understand the history and culture of the area. The city of Korti was also an important center of trade and commerce in the region, and it was an important stop for European explorers and traders.
The map is dated 7 Feb 1885, just days after General Charles Gordon's death at Khartoum. It shows tribes, wells and other water features, telegraphs, the location of good pasturage, the dates of rain, etc, with relief shown by hachures. It includes an inset of Khartoum 2.5 miles to 1 inch, showing the location of key sites, including the market, hospital, powder magazine, Muslim cemetery, fortified Laager, the Palace (abandoned) where Gordon was killed, etc.
Kitchener's Report, addressed to General Sir E. Wood is dated shortly after the beginning of the ultimately unsuccessful Nile or Gordon Relief Expedition, with Khartoum under siege by the Mahdi's forces. It includes details on routes from Debbeh to Khartoum, Ambukol to Wady Bishara, Ambukol to Matammeh (Shendy), Merawi to Berber, and the Expedition route, with table of distances.
Charles George Gordon, was a British Army officer who was active in the upper Nile region of central and eastern Africa in the late 19th century. Gordon was a highly experienced and capable military commander, and he played an important role in the exploration and mapping of the region. Gordon first traveled to the upper Nile region in 1869, as part of an expedition led by Sir Samuel Baker. He was responsible for mapping and studying the region, and he made a number of important discoveries, including the location of the source of the Nile River.
Gordon returned to the upper Nile region in 1874, when he was appointed as the governor-general of the region. In this role, he played an important role in the exploration and mapping of the area, and he helped to establish a number of key settlements and trading posts in the region. He also helped to improve the transportation infrastructure in the area, and he worked to promote trade and commerce in the region.
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.