Historic Maps training day: 11-12-2012

This morning was yet another of those interesting, relaxing and cosy times for any interested NCVs. We were lucky enough to be offered the opportunity of a morning listening to Kevin Cale, the community archaeologist, telling us all about historical maps. 
If you want to find out more about the things he does as part of his job then visit:
http://www.communityarchaeology.co.uk/

Kev started by explaining how maps are just one of the many tools available to anyone interested in researching the history of an area and then detailed the different ways that members of the public can access old maps. These included:

• Record offices - for Nidderdale related maps you would go to either the Northallerton County (http://www.northyorks.gov.uk/archives); the West Yorkshire Archive Service at Morley (http://www.archives.wyjs.org.uk/archives-leeds.asp) or the Borthwick Institute at Heslington, York (http://www.york.ac.uk/library/borthwick/)

The Northallerton office has an extensive collection but you can only view them on microfiche. The other two offices can give access to the actual maps themselves.  

• Pateley Bridge museum - this has a small, but useful collection.

• Online via http://www.old-maps.co.uk  From here you can look at the maps electronically or order them in hard copy in different quality prints. Enter any place name in the search box and then select one of the historic maps listed down the right hand side of the screen.  

You can then zoom in and out to your heart's content looking for all the interesting things that are there. I can't wait to try this out for myself!

Kev then gave us a fascinating presentation of the history of maps, focusing on the Wath area of Nidderdale - from an early 1610 map to the most up-to-date lidar mapping techniques. If anyone is interested in doing any of this sort of research there are a number of local groups involved in history projects which Kev or the AONB's heritage officer, Sally Childes, can put you in touch with. You may even want to start your own group - again, Kev is the man to contact.

Kev  - thank you for a great morning (and thanks also to Sally Childes for the delicious home made mince pies served on arrival!!)

Ros (E)