Check to see whether your local record office holds large scale ordnance survey maps covering your area. From the 1870s to the 1930s four editions were produced at a scale of 6" and 25" to the mile, and some urban areas were covered by even larger scale maps. Earlier maps may, where they survive, be found in family and estate collections, in collections of manorial documents or amongst papers relating to parliamentary enclosure. Mid-nineteenth-century tithe maps of England and Wales, as well as the related tithe apportionments, are held in large numbers with us in record series IR 30. Details of what has survived can be found in Roger J P Kain and Richard R Oliver, 'The Tithe Maps of England and Wales' (Cambridge University Press, 1995).

It is also possible to search our online Catalogue to see whether a tithe map is held for your parish. Many local record offices also hold copies of such maps. A guide to the tithe maps and apportionments of Wales in the National Library of Wales can be found in Robert Davies, 'The Tithe Maps of Wales' (National Library of Wales, 1999). Look at the ARCHON Directory for an up to date list of contact details for record offices.

You should also read our research guide Maps in The National Archives.