The Amateur Historian Volume 5 Number 5 Autumn 1962

By Harley, J.B.

pp 130-140

The first in a series of four articles, this article is by one of the leading cartographic historians of the 20th century. In this article Harley comments in detail, with key diagrams, on the one-inch Ordnance Survey map series and its significance to the local historian. The first survey of 1791 was not published until 1801 and the remainder followed during the 19th century. Harley also discusses the original surveyors' drawings, which in some cases show considerable amounts of detail which was omitted from the published maps. In 1840 a six-inch survey was started, and the later one-inch sheets (particularly those for the six northern counties) were reduced from this larger-scale survey. During the later 19th century and early 20th century further printings were made from the original plates, but with some updating such as the inclusion of new railways. The article discusses how these later impressions or editions may be identified. They include the second edition, published from 1872 onwards as a reduction of six-inch surveys and including experiments with colour printing; the third and fourth editions, for which new surveys were started in 1901 and 1924, and including the first 'tourist' maps in 1938; and recent editions, including those for wartime (1939-1945) (see also 05 07 202-211; 05 08 251-259).

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By Morton, A.L.

pp 141-144

Brief note of how relatively minor items of historical evidence can inform on contemporary events: the author uses the examples of a link between a song used by the 'Diggers' in the 17th century, and a traditional folk tune; and names quoted in a letter which show unexpected links between the Duke of Monmouth and the Anabaptists.

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By Summers, P.G.

pp 145-150

Hatchments (the term is derived from 'achievements') were heraldic paintings hung over the front door of recently deceased gentry, a practice which dates from at least the 17th century and perhaps earlier. They were later hung in the local church. The author describes their construction and decoration. They were widely distributed around England and Wales and remaining examples can be found in Anglican and Catholic churches and some in private houses. In general, they were displayed by members of older landed families, and the author refers to a number of examples. The article also discusses the heraldic detail of hatchments and explains how the devices and symbols used were conceived.

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By Seaborne, Malcolm V.J.

pp 151-154

Study of pictorial records as a resource for the local historian, including discussion of original paintings, drawings and etchings, and old photographs, postcards, and depictions of special events. The author also comments on the problems and practicalities of collecting old pictures and photographs.