This exercise is normally only useful if you have identified a route that you believe might have been a road at some time. It is not useful for spotting routes that have always been bridleways or footpaths.
As Restoring the Record will tell you, there are special things that made this edition more valuable. Although evidence on the map on its own is not evidence of a right of way, there is additional information, including the book of reference, the boundary remark books and the Object names book, which can add value.
FINDING THE MAP
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SCOTLAND
First look here at the National Library of Scotland.
Zoom into and click on the square that covers the area you want. Links to the maps available will appear on the right. The one you want (if it is available) will appear at the top. In most all cases the NLS does not have the first edition. Be careful that you do not use the second edition, which is no good. The first editions had some colour features. But it is always worth checking here first.
LOCAL COUNTY ARCHIVES
Failing this look at the catalogue at the appropriate county archive. The maps may not be catalogued though, and you may have to ask at the archive.
.ORDERING AN ONLINE COPY OF THE MAP. THE BODLEIAN LIBRARY
The cheapest way of getting a digital copy of the map in March 22 was by contacting the Bodleian Library Charges are £27.50 per image then drop down to £7.50 per image from the 3rd image taken from the same volume. It is not easy to tell which maps are in which volume, but you could ask the library. maps@bodleian.ox.ac.uk
THE BRITISH LIBRARY
The full set of the first edition of the 1-2500 series is held at the British Library whose main centre is next to the Kings Cross/St Pancras railway station complex in London. You can travel by Thameslink train. There is also a centre in Yorkshire. At Boston Spa.
You have to get a readers card, as at most archives. Although you can begin the process online you must make an appointment to visit in person with some ID documents to get your card. (Link takes you to the London appointments).
You cannot order any maps before you have your card and it is not possible to order the maps online using the catalogue. You need to go to the map room with your card and ask for what you want. Go to the enquiries desk on the right as you enter, not the document issuing desk I was asked what parishes I wanted because apparently in some counties maps only show particular parishes, but fortunately this is not the case in Sussex. You will need to give the reference including the county- for example Sussex 22 15. You will be asked to fill in a docket for each map which the staff will provide.
You may be offered the microfiche records which are immediately available, but when I said that I wanted to see the originals to photograph them and see the colours this was accepted. It takes about an hour to get the maps from the basement.
But I was told that if I emailed in with the maps I wanted and the date of my visit before my visit they could get them for me to be there on arrival. Email maps@bl.uk
The maps will be issued on a trolley as part of a volume of maps. These volumes are very heavy. Do not be afraid to ask for help moving them onto the table. It can be difficult to get the maps to lie flat. You can ask for a support for the volume which makes things easier.
You do not need to pay for a photography permit.