Although there are many early maps of Sussex showing Maresfield, large scale mapping showing local features only emerges around 1800. Some of these maps are shown on this page, where you can compare them with today’s Maresfield using the interactive controls.
For a more immersive experience, try our interactive map viewer which allows you to navigate, zoom and overlay a wide range of historical maps.
1798 : 1-inch Ordnance Survey First Edition
In 1798, surveys were conducted for the first edition of the OS one-inch-to-the-mile map, which was published in 1813.
The Straight Half Mile had not yet been built, and it appears that the main road north branched off Batt’s Bridge road just after Tudor Cottage, curved across the park, and then followed the route of the northern Drive to Lampool Lodge.
The road east continued straight at the bend in Batts Bridge Road, went past Maresfield Park mansion and then turned north to Horney Common.
You can still see the route of these old roads preserved in the trees and farm tracks on the modern map, using the spyglass on the map below to compare the two. You can also switch to “Slider” or “Fader” modes as an alternative way to compare the maps, and select whether you want to use a modern Map or Satellite image as a reference.
The full sheet of the 1813 one-inch map of Sussex, published by Lt Col Mudge in 1813 from surveys of 1798. Click on the map to open a high resolution version.
1813 : 1-inch Ordnance Survey drawing
This unfinished Ordnance Survey drawing from 1813 from the British Library collection is one of the first larger scale maps showing Maresfield and the surrounding area. The Maresfield Park mansion and other buildings are outlined in red – you can see how few buildings there are.
1874 6-inch (1:10,560) Ordnance Survey map
By the time of the 1874 survey, we see much more detail on the maps – now published at 6 inches to the mile by the OS. The road layout now includes the Straight Half Mile and the Batts Bridge Road as they are today, and the Lodge at the entrance to the park. It’s noticable that there are very few houses; Maresfield Park consists of the old mansion, the Dairy Farm, and not much more.
