What do maps tell us?

Wills and Tabby study the tithe map of Fernhurst from 1846

1898 Map of 'Farnhurst'

Tithe map of Fernhurst, 1846.

Napper's Wood today

Fernhurst children trace the development of Napper's Wood

By Zoe Ganderton

We spent an afterschool session looking at a collection of maps of Fernhurst, from the West Sussex Records Office.  They ranged from 1846 to 1982.  We wanted to see what map could tells us about the Napper's Wood area.

We looked at the shape of The Napper's area and noticed that it hasn't really changed since 1846.

We also looked at the buildings shown on the maps and talked about the ones that were still there and what they were now used for.

We look at who owned the land in 1846 by using the map with the apportionments - a document that lists all the landowners against a number on the map.

Here are some facts we found out using the maps

Did you know......

The 1898 map says 'Farnhurst'.  This is how 'Fernhurst' was pronounced with a country accent

Did you know......

Napper's Wood is named after a bid wooded area

Did you know......

The church owned lots of the land in Fernhurst in the past. Click on the document below to read the apportionments - they tell you who owned which piece of land

So what was it like using old maps to find out about the past?

"I was amazed at how powerful the church was and I enjoyed looking at all the maps and seeing where everything was and is" Ruari

"I enjoyed looking at the maps.  Maps have been made for years!"  Toby

"I learnt that by using maps you can find out how places have changed.  I enjoyed looking at the maps." Tabatha