New chance to view South Derbyshire in Victorian era

by LAURIE DEVITT

A COLLECTION of early maps of South Derbyshire have been digitalised as part of a history project.

Derbyshire County Council's record office has digitalised a selection of parish tithe maps, giving people the chance to discover more about the history of their parishes.

The first set of maps have been reproduced for Swadlincote, Church Gresley, Coton-in-the-Elms, Lullington, Netherseal, Overseal, Newton Solney, Swarkestone, Ticknall, Donisthorpe, Measham and Oakthorpe.

Each map dates from around 1850 and is large scale, with 25in to one mile, meaning individual fields and buildings can be identified in each map.

The maps will be used for many different types of research including landscape history, transport and communications and village history.

They are also a useful starting point for further investigations for researchers who use them together with the accompanying tithe awards.

The tithe awards are not digitalised yet but are available for viewing in the record office.

Cabinet member for cultural services Bob Janes, said: "These maps will be an invaluable resource to anyone interested in local history.

"They are so detailed that individual landmarks can be identified and a wealth of other details will be revealed."

Each digitalised map costs £15 if collected from the Derbyshire Record Office, in New Street, Matlock. Posting the CD will cost an extra £1.50.

Further information is available by telephoning the record office on 01629 585979, or by e-mailing record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk.