Maps and Ordnance Survey Plans
Dundee City Archives hold a collection of acquired maps and of plans which were used by the City Engineer and other officials. The City Engineer‘s series often show evidence of wear and tear and annotations but can be very useful for that very reason.
(Published by William Blackwood, 1838)
Map of Forfarshire (later known as Angus) published by William Blackwood, 1838. British Miles 8 [=41 mm.] Size: 255 x 210 mm. Scale: 1": 5 miles. “Engd. on steel by W.H. Lizars”
William Blackwood began printing the county volumes of the New Statistical Account in 1834. These were accompanied by maps drawn and engraved by W.H. Lizars. In 1838, these maps were brought together in Blackwood’s Atlas of Scotland, with the maps arranged alphabetically and available either in quarto or octavo format at one guinea or half a guinea respectively. This example was also sold separately in a pocket case for one shilling (£0.05). Each county map is a detailed depiction of major features, including parishes, which are frequently highlighted by hand colouring. This map of Forfarshire (later known as Angus) includes the line of the Dundee to Newtyle Railway, which originally ran through a tunnel under The Law. Most parishes have kirks, castles and residences marked but, unusually, there is no indication of Arbroath Abbey. The unreformed boundaries include separated parishes such as those of Dundee and St. Vigeans. The title and a plain direction arrow lie in the north-east corner. Figures for 57° north and a longitude 3° west of Greenwich are given in the margins.
The Burgh of Dundee, before the Ordnance Survey started their large scale 1:500 survey of 1857/8, contracted the Aberdonian architect and civil engineer, James Collie (see The Dictionary of Scottish Architects website), to draw up plans of the town showing contours and principal drains.
Collie was born about 1810 and by the early 1830s had set up in practice in Glasgow. By 1864 he was operating mainly as a civil engineer in Edinburgh, mainly with railway works.
Ordnance Survey, 1:500 and 1:600 scale, 1871 and 1901.
The 1:500 scale sheets are bound in large volumes, so please give notice if you wish to come and view these.
Pristine versions of the 1871 series are also available on the National Library of Scotland website.
These three unusual town details can be found in the large sheet at Dundee City Archives, Ordnance Survey Forfarshire [Angus] sheet LIV, 6 inches to 1 mile scale, 1872 revision.
(Broughty Ferry)
Broughty Ferry was in Angus/Forfarshire before it was annexed to Dundee City in 1913, and so is not covered by the excellent on-line plans for Dundee.
Before the first Tay Rail Bridge was built it was the ferry terminal for the roll-on roll-off train ferry from Ferryport on Craig or Tayport.
(Ferryport-on-Craig 1872)
Ferryport on Craig or Tayport was important as the ferry terminal for the roll-on roll-off train ferry from Broughty Ferry. As Scotscraig estate was purchased by Dundee City Council in 1918, many references to this town can be found in the Dundee City Archives.
(Newport-on-Tay 1872 )
Newport on Tay was originally established as the “New Port of Dundee” by the Guildry of Dundee in the 18th century. Before the first Rail Bridge was built this town was less important than the bustling rail ferry terminal of Tayport. Many references to this town can be found in the Dundee City Archives.
For further details, contact:
Archive & Record Centre • Support Services • 21 City Square • Dundee DD1 3BY • United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1382 434494 • Fax: +44 (0)1382 434666 • Email: Archive & Record Centre
To view other maps of old Dundee, please visit Dundee Local History Map Collection.
