1787 Antique Estate Plan Map of John Marshall’s Low Hall, Yeadon, Yorkshire

Rare Georgian Hand Coloured Estate Plan – Yeadon, Yorkshire – 1787


An exceptional and historically fascinating 18th-century estate plan, dated September 1787, depicting the lands belonging to the late John Marshall of Low Hall, Yeadon, Yorkshire.


Beautifully executed with delicate period-style hand colouring, intricate surveying detail and elegant Georgian calligraphy, this remarkable estate map provides a fascinating glimpse into the landscape, landownership and rural life of Yorkshire more than 230 years ago.


The original title reads:


“A PLAN of the ESTATE of the late JOHN MARSHALL of LOW-HALL in YEADON, Gentleman, deceased.”


“Surveyed by F. Bailey in September 1787.”


Historical Interest


Created during the reign of King George III, this estate plan dates from a period when detailed land surveys were commissioned by wealthy landowners, their families and executors to record property boundaries, agricultural holdings and the extent of landed estates.


The reference to the late John Marshall suggests that the survey was prepared following his death, potentially for estate administration, inheritance or property management.


Yeadon, historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, was then a developing rural and textile-producing community, long before the extensive urban and industrial expansion of the 19th century.


Exceptional Cartographic Detail


The plan features:


* Numerous individually numbered agricultural fields, highlighted in attractive muted greens, blues, ochres and terracotta.

* Detailed field boundaries, woodland, buildings, gardens, orchards, roads and tracks.

* A beautifully drawn compass rose.

* A substantial handwritten schedule headed “The Contents”, recording individual parcels of land and their measurements in acres, roods and perches.

* A separate “Remarks” panel identifying gardens, orchards, yards, buildings and other estate features.

* References to neighbouring landowners, including Mr Smith, Mr Clayton, Mr Ingram and the Curate of Rawden.

* Historic roads and landmarks, including the turnpike road, offering a valuable record of the local landscape in the late 18th century.


A Piece of Yorkshire’s Georgian Heritage


Estate plans of this period were important working documents rather than simply decorative maps. They recorded land ownership and agricultural arrangements in remarkable detail.


Today, surviving examples are valued for their historical, genealogical, architectural and cartographic significance.


This example would be particularly appealing to collectors of Yorkshire history, antique maps, Georgian manuscripts, estate archives and historic land surveys, or anyone with family connections to Yeadon and the surrounding area.


Presented behind glass in a substantial black glazed frame with decorative moulded inner detailing.


The plan displays attractive age-related toning, discolouration, fold or crease lines and other signs of age, consistent with an early historical document.


The frame has visible chips, scuffs and losses to the black finish, particularly around the edges and corners.


Please study all photographs, as these form an important part of the description.


A highly decorative and historically significant Georgian estate plan, offering a rare opportunity to acquire a detailed visual record of Yeadon as it appeared in 1787.


Frame measures approx 58.5 x 82.5cm