Old Map of East London, 1900: Wanstead, Ilford, Barking, Wanstead Flats, West Ham Park
Step into the past with Sheet 8 from Bacon’s New Large Scale Atlas of London and Suburbs, a captivating glimpse into East London as it stood in 1900. Crafted by the esteemed Bacon & Co., this map elegantly captures a city on the brink of transformation. The Victorian era had left its mark with iconic landmarks and terraced housing, yet vast stretches of farmland awaited the urban sprawl that would define the next half-century. This map not only charts the geography of the time but also tells the story of a city poised between its storied past and an ambitious future.
Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Wanstead, Great Ilford, and Barking, each rich with history and character. Wanstead, known for its lush greenery and stately homes, offers a serene contrast to the bustling streets of Ilford, a burgeoning hub of commerce and culture. Meanwhile, Barking, with its deep roots in trade and industry, stands as a testament to London’s enduring spirit of innovation and growth. These areas, beautifully detailed on the map, provide a window into the diverse tapestry of life in East London at the dawn of the 20th century.
The map also highlights significant landmarks and natural features that have shaped the region’s identity. Wanstead Flats, a sprawling expanse of open land, and West Ham Park, a beloved green space, are prominently featured, offering a glimpse into the recreational life of Londoners. Bush Wood and Manor Park Cemetery add layers of historical intrigue, each with its own stories to tell. These landmarks not only served as vital community spaces but also played key roles in the social and cultural evolution of the area.
Bacon & Co., renowned for their detailed and aesthetically pleasing cartography, have masterfully balanced form and function in this map. The elegant coloring and precise detailing provide clarity without overwhelming the viewer, making it a perfect piece for both historical study and aesthetic appreciation. The map’s design reflects the cartographer’s commitment to capturing the essence of a city in flux, preserving a moment in time with both accuracy and artistry.
As a historical artifact, this map offers more than just geographical information; it serves as a narrative of London’s dynamic growth and change. It invites you to explore the interplay between urban development and natural landscapes, between history and modernity. Whether you’re a collector, a historian, or simply an admirer of fine cartography, this map is a treasure trove of insights into the rich, ever-evolving story of East London.
Streets and roads on this map
- Aldersbrook Road
- Barking Road
- Blake Hall Road
- Broadway
- Cambridge Road
- Central Park Road
- Church Road
- Cranbrook Road
- Eastern Avenue
- Forest Drive
- Green Street
- High Road
- Ilford Lane
- Ley Street
- Longbridge Road
- Manor Park Road
- North Circular Road
- Plashet Grove
- Romford Road
- Seven Kings Road
- South Park Drive
- Station Road
- The Drive
- Upton Lane
- Vicarage Lane
- Wanstead Park Avenue
- Woodgrange Road
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Large Parks:
- Wanstead Flats
- West Ham Park
- Landmarks:
- Bush Wood
- Manor Park Cemetery
- Neighborhoods:
- Wanstead
- Great Ilford
- Barking
Historical and design context
- Creation date: 1900
- Mapmaker/Publisher: Bacon & Co.
- Urban development: Shows East London at a time when Victorian landmarks and terraced housing were prevalent, but there was still undeveloped farmland.
- Design/Style: Attractively colored, showing a balance of detail without being overly complex.
- Historical significance: Captures a transitional period in London’s expansion, reflecting both established Victorian infrastructure and areas awaiting development.
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 24x36in (60x90cm) 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.
