Old Map of County Tyrone by Petty, 1685: Strabane, Omagh, Sperrin Mountains, Ulster Canal, Lough Neagh
This 1685 map of County Tyrone, Ireland, is a fascinating glimpse into the history and geography of this region. Created by renowned cartographer Sir William Petty, the map is based on the Down Survey of Ireland, the first detailed land survey on a national scale anywhere in the world. Petty’s map is a testament to his skill and precision, and it offers a wealth of information for historians, geographers, and anyone interested in the history of Ireland.
County Tyrone is located in the northwest of Ireland, and it is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The county is home to several significant landmarks, including the Sperrin Mountains, the Ulster Canal, and the Lough Neagh, the largest lake in the British Isles. County Tyrone has also played a significant role in Irish history, and it was the site of several important battles and events, including the Battle of Aughrim in 1691.
Petty’s map of County Tyrone captures the essence of this remarkable region. The map is meticulously detailed, and it shows a wealth of information, including roads, bridges, cities, towns, and villages. The map also includes pictorial representations of hills, forests, rivers, lakes, and loughs, providing a vivid depiction of the county’s landscape. In addition to its geographical accuracy, Petty’s map is also a work of art. The map is beautifully drawn, and it features an elaborate title cartouche and decorative border.
One of the most striking features of Petty’s map is its use of color. The map is hand-colored, and it uses a variety of colors to distinguish different features. For example, blue is used to represent water, green is used to represent forests, and brown is used to represent mountains. This use of color helps to make the map visually appealing, and it also makes it easier to read and understand.
Overall, Petty’s map of County Tyrone is a remarkable work of cartography. The map is a valuable resource for historians, geographers, and anyone interested in the history of Ireland. It is a testament to Petty’s skill and precision, and it is a beautiful example of the art of mapmaking.
This is an old map from 1685, so not every modern place is shown, or they may be on the map with a different name. If this was a modern map, covering the same area, the following things would be visible on the map:
Cities and Towns
– Strabane
– Omagh
– Dungannon
– Cookstown
– Augher
– Clogher
– Fivemiletown
– Caledon
– Castlederg
– Newtownstewart
National Parks and Major Parks
– None visible
Historic Landmarks
– None visible
Historical Events
– The Down Survey of Ireland, which this map is based on, was conducted from 1656 to 1658.
– The English Civil War, which led to the Down Survey, took place from 1642 to 1651.
– The Act of Settlement, which resulted from the Down Survey, was passed in 1652.
Additional Towns and Villages in County Tyrone
– Ardboe
– Artigarvan
– Ballygawley
– Ballynascreen
– Beragh
– Brackaville
– Cappagh
– Carrickmore
– Castlecaulfield
– Clabby
– Coalisland
– Derrytresk
– Donaghmore
– Drumquin
– Dromore
– Drumquin
– Dromore
– Fintona
– Gortin
– Greencastle
– Killyclogher
– Kildress
– Kilskeery
– Kinturk
– Lissan
– Loughmacrory
– Mountfield
– Moy
– Newmills
– Pomeroy
– Rock
– Sion Mills
– Stewartstown
– Trillick
– Tullyhogue
– Victoria Bridge
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 50in (125cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you’d like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.
