Shropshire Routes to Roots

2. Maps

Introduction

We can use local maps to identify changes and developments: the growth or decline of industry, housing, transport and other urban and rural changes.

The nineteenth-century maps below reveal the extent and growth of the railway network around Shrewsbury. Some of the railway lines, notably the Potts line, fell into disuse. Other lines survived and can be seen on contemporary maps today.

• Find a modern map of the Shrewsbury area. The Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 Explorer series are quite detailed; Shrewsbury is covered on sheet 241. For a closer look at the Abbey Station site try to find a good street map, or search on Streetmap.co.uk (Opens in a new window).
• What are the visible signs of change?
• How are disused railways marked on modern maps?

Detail of "Handbook map of Shropshire and Cheshire", dated 1879. We've highlighted the route of the Potts line from Abbey station in Shrewsbury to the village of Llanymynech. The branch line to Criggion can also be seen.

Handbook map Larger image, in a new window [76kb] [Secret Shropshire]

Crutchley's railway map Larger image, in a new window [65kb] [Secret Shropshire]

Detail from "Crutchley's railway map of Shropshire", 1860. Click on the image for a closer view of the railway network around Shrewsbury.

Detail from Ordnance Survey 1:500 series, first edition, 1882. Sheet no. XXXIV.11.7. Showing the Abbey church, Abbey Foregate and the station. The extent of the platform and the route of the line are clearly visible.

Abbey Station map Larger image, in a new window [56kb] [OS 1:500 1882 Shropshire XXXIV.11.7]

• See if you can find an old map of your local area. Ask at Shropshire Archives (opens in a new window).
• What are the visible changes you can trace?

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