Field names are an invaluable source of information for historians, geographers and archaeologists alike.
History
The maps were produced by Mr George Foxall. The first ‘Foxall’ was a field-name map of Berrington, drawn in 1961. Over the next quarter of a century George Foxall was to cover the county and produce some 500 maps. The paper maps are held at Shropshire Archives.
The majority of the field name maps are based on the 'tithe maps' of 1836-1850. Where tithe maps did not exist, Mr Foxall based his field name maps on estate maps or other surviving maps. They are drawn at 6 inches to the mile and so can be used alongside the Ordnance Survey maps of the same scale.
Interesting facts
- One of the toughest assignments was the Madeley Map. This was not completed until the 1980s as a cartographical difficulty arose in the Cuckoo Oak Farm area to the east of the parish. The final Madeley tracing - its parts did not quite fit - may include a slight fudge in this area
- The map of Shavington was drawn by Peter Hewitt, and Tittenley is yet to be done
- Some of the maps, such as the example of Ashford Bowdler shown above, are quite small. Others are extremely large (A1 size plus)
To purchase reproductions
A full list of Shropshire field name maps with prices is attached to this page. Complete the appropriate order form and post to us with payment.
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