Pratt's Map of Northern England by AE Taylor, 1932

Pratt's High Test Plan of the North - Moor Mountain and Lake District is a captivating journey through the landscapes of Northern England, crafted by the skilled hands of A.E. Taylor in 1932. This map, part of a series commissioned by Pratt's Petroleum Company, captures the essence of a bygone era where motoring was a burgeoning cultural phenomenon. The map serves not only as a navigational tool but also as a visual celebration of the region's rich history and natural beauty, from the Scottish border to the bustling city of Liverpool.

A.E. Taylor's artistic prowess is evident in the map's intricate design, which blends cartographic precision with pictorial charm. The map's style is emblematic of early 20th-century thematic maps, with detailed illustrations of landmarks, road networks, and natural landscapes. Each element is meticulously drawn, inviting the viewer to explore the diverse terrains of Northern England, from the rugged moors to the serene lakes, and from the ancient Roman ruins to the majestic castles.

The map highlights the prominent cities and towns that dot the region, such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Newcastle upon Tyne. These urban centers are depicted alongside smaller towns, each contributing to the tapestry of Northern England's cultural and economic landscape. The map's depiction of these settlements offers a glimpse into the historical significance of these areas during the early 20th century, reflecting their roles as hubs of industry and commerce.

Natural wonders are prominently featured, with the Lake District National Park and Northumberland National Park illustrated in exquisite detail. These areas, renowned for their breathtaking beauty, are depicted alongside the iconic Hadrian's Wall and the picturesque Yorkshire Dales. The map captures the essence of these landscapes, inviting the viewer to imagine the sweeping vistas and tranquil waters that have inspired poets and artists for generations.

The historical context of this map is deeply intertwined with the development of road travel and tourism during the early 20th century. As a product of Pratt's Petroleum Company, the map underscores the growing importance of motoring culture, encouraging exploration and adventure. This map is not merely a representation of geography but a testament to an era where the open road beckoned travelers to discover the wonders of Northern England.

Cities and towns on this map

• Greater Manchester Area
• Manchester
• Salford
• Oldham
• Rochdale

• Stockport

• Merseyside Area

• Liverpool

• St. Helens

• West Yorkshire Area

• Leeds
• Bradford
• Wakefield

• Huddersfield

• Other Regions

• Newcastle upon Tyne
• Sunderland
• York
• Carlisle
• Middlesbrough
• Darlington
• Lancaster
• Preston
• Blackburn
• Burnley
• Blackpool
• Harrogate
• Scarborough
• Durham
• Chesterfield
• Doncaster
• Barnsley
• Rotherham
• Warrington
• Southport

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Lake District National Park
• Hadrian's Wall
• Northumberland National Park
• Yorkshire Dales
• Roman ruins
• Illustrations of castles and historic buildings
• Coastal features along the Irish Sea and North Sea
• Illustrations of mountains and moors

Historical and design context

• Part of a series of pictorial road maps by Pratt's Petroleum Company, owned by Standard Oil.
• Created in 1932 by A.E. Taylor, known for thematic and pictorial maps.
• Highlights road networks, natural landscapes, and cultural landmarks of Northern England.
• Pictorial design with detailed illustrations, characteristic of early 20th-century thematic maps.
• Reflects the development of road travel and tourism in the early 20th century, emphasizing the importance of motoring culture.

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 100in (250cm). 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.