Plan of Birmingham, drawn by J. Sherrif of Oldswinford, late of the Crescent Birmingham
Image from: Bisset’s Magnificent Guide or Grand Copper Plate Directory for the Town of Birmingham, 1808
[From Birmingham Central Library]
02. Plan of Birmingham, drawn by J. Sherrif of Oldswinford, late of the Crescent Birmingham
The map shows the main street pattern and identifies the main public and religious buildings by a key where they are not specifically identified on the map. Several indications of the town’s industrial and commercial significance are shown including:
• The expansion of Birmingham along the roads leading out of the town,
• The canal system and wharves,
• The location of several industries including steam mills, a brass works and breweries.
The map provides a geographical context for the advertisements included in the Directory. Interestingly, the representation of a rural landscape at the bottom of the map complete with trees, a lake and neo-classical temple was being destroyed as Birmingham’s rapid growth penetrated the adjacent countryside. Anna Seward’s poem, Colebrook Dale (1785), contrasts Birmingham’s progress as a centre for innovation and economic progress with the consequent industrial pollution and destruction of the landscape.
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