Administrative Boundary Maps

The delineation of boundaries is one of the fundamental purposes for which maps are made, both by private individuals and governments. The history the mapping of official boundaries in Great Britain probably dates back centuries, however, some of the earliest official maps made purely to display boundary information date back to the political and administrative reforms of the nineteenth century. 

In the early days the delineation of boundaries was undertaken for specific purposes by Royal Commissions especially set up on an ad hoc basis. However, as the need to regularly revise boundaries on an ongoing basis came to be recognised, standing Boundary Commissions were established to carry out a rolling programme of revision.

The maps we have digitised so far are from the early phase of boundary revision. We hope to add more sets in the future.

• Robert Dawson’s 1832 boundary maps
• Robert Dawson’s 1837 boundary maps
• Henry James’s 1868 boundary maps