A Map of The Country Round Aldershot Shewing The Camps And Camping Grounds Enlarged From The Ordnance Survey – Specially Prepared To Illustrate The Military Manoeuvres Act

Price: £275
Publisher: Edward Stanford
Publication Date: Sept. 2nd 1871
Edition: 1st edition
Format: Engraving with original hand-colouring
Condition: Very good plus, unframed
Scale: 1.5 inches to a mile
Sheet Size: 124cm x 99cm when opened

Condition:

A fine and large hand-coloured folding map of the environs of Aldershot. Dissected onto linen with 48 sections. Slight age toning and foxing. Very minor marks but generally bright and clean. Slipcase a bit rubbed to the edges with two neat pen names and a date of 1880 to the paper label. Overall in very good indeed, bright, clean condition. Very scarce. No copies of this, the one sheet edition are found institutionally in the UK. Three copies of the 4 sheet edition of the same size and scale are found.

The Military Manoeuvres Act of 1871: A Brief Account

The Military Manoeuvres Act of 1871 was a British law enacted to allow the armed forces to conduct large-scale military training exercises on civilian land in the United Kingdom. The act was intended to enhance the British Army’s readiness and capability to respond to potential military conflicts or threats by providing them with opportunities to practice military operations in realistic, open environments beyond their usual training grounds.

The 1871 Act laid the foundation for later laws, such as the more well-known Military Manoeuvres Act of 1897, by providing the basic legal framework that permitted the temporary use of private and public land for military manoeuvres.

Key Features of the Military Manoeuvres Act of 1871

1. Permission for Military Exercises:
   • The Act granted the British Army legal permission to conduct manoeuvres on lands not typically designated for military use. This included privately owned land, allowing the military to simulate battlefield conditions in a more varied and realistic environment.
   • The manoeuvres were meant to simulate wartime operations, allowing troops to practice movement, tactics, coordination, and the use of artillery and cavalry in large, open areas.
2. Notice and Compensation:
   • As in the later 1897 Act, the 1871 Act required that the military give advance notice to landowners and local authorities before conducting exercises on their land.
   • A system of compensation was also established, ensuring that landowners and tenants were reimbursed for any damage caused to their property or agricultural activities. This compensation mechanism was crucial to maintaining good relations between the military and the civilian population.
3. Temporary Use of Land:
   • The use of land for manoeuvres was temporary and typically lasted for a short period (usually a few weeks). After the exercises, the military was required to restore the land to its original condition as much as possible, ensuring minimal long-term disruption to the owners’ use of the land.
   • The Act included restrictions on the timing and location of manoeuvres, ensuring that sensitive or essential areas were not disturbed.
4. Safety Measures:
   • The Act included provisions for the safety of civilians during the military exercises. Notices were issued to local residents to inform them of any potential dangers, such as live firing or large troop movements.

Historical Context

The Military Manoeuvres Act of 1871 came at a time when the British Army was undergoing a period of reform and modernisation. Following the experiences of the Crimean War (1853–1856) and the Indian Rebellion of 1857, it became clear that the British Army needed more systematic training and better preparedness for potential conflicts.

The Cardwell Reforms, introduced by War Secretary Edward Cardwell around the same period, sought to professionalise the army and improve its structure, recruitment, and training methods. One aspect of these reforms was ensuring that the army could conduct large-scale training exercises in real-world conditions, which required access to extensive areas of land beyond the limited training grounds that the military traditionally used.

Importance of the Act

1. Improved Military Preparedness:
   • The Act was crucial in allowing the British Army to conduct realistic training exercises, which enhanced the army’s readiness for potential engagements. It provided soldiers with opportunities to practice manoeuvres on a large scale, improving their tactical and logistical abilities.
2. Precedent for Future Legislation:
   • The 1871 Act set a precedent for later laws, such as the Military Manoeuvres Act of 1897, which expanded upon its provisions. These acts collectively allowed the British military to conduct increasingly sophisticated training exercises, especially as technological advancements in weaponry and transportation required more complex operational simulations.
3. Balancing Civilian and Military Needs:
   • One of the key aspects of the 1871 Act was its attempt to balance the needs of the military with the rights of civilians, especially landowners and farmers. The inclusion of compensation for damage and the requirement to provide notice to landowners were important elements in maintaining public support for these exercises.

Conclusion

The Military Manoeuvres Act of 1871 was an important piece of legislation that enabled the British Army to conduct large-scale training exercises on civilian land. It was part of a broader effort to reform and modernise the army in the late 19th century, ensuring that British soldiers were better prepared for the challenges of contemporary warfare. The Act’s provisions for compensation and safety ensured that the military could train effectively without causing undue disruption to civilian life, setting the stage for future laws that further refined the relationship between military training and civilian property rights.

Edward Stanford: A Brief Description

Edward Stanford was a prominent British mapmaker, publisher, and founder of the renowned cartographic firm Edward Stanford Ltd.. He played a crucial role in the history of cartography in the 19th century, producing maps and atlases of high quality and accuracy that were used by explorers, governments, and the general public. His contributions to cartography and the firm he founded helped shape the way geographical knowledge was disseminated during the Victorian era and beyond.

Early Life and Career

Edward Stanford was born on 27 May 1827, in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, England. His early career in the world of cartography began in 1848 when he joined the London-based map and book publishing firm of Trelawney Saunders. Stanford quickly rose through the ranks and, in 1853, took over the business from Saunders, renaming it Edward Stanford Ltd.. This marked the beginning of his long-standing influence in the field of cartography.

The Growth of Edward Stanford Ltd.

Under Edward Stanford’s leadership, the business expanded rapidly and became the leading cartographic firm in Britain by the mid-19th century. Located at 6 Charing Cross in London, Stanford’s shop became a central hub for the production and sale of maps, atlases, and globes.

The company specialised in a wide variety of cartographic products:

• Maps of the British Empire: As the British Empire expanded, there was a growing demand for maps that could aid both in administration and exploration. Stanford produced detailed maps of British colonies and territories around the world, helping travellers, military officers, and government officials navigate and govern these distant lands.
• Exploration Maps: During the Victorian era, exploration of uncharted territories was a significant undertaking, and Stanford played a key role in providing maps to explorers. Famous explorers like Sir Henry Morton Stanley and David Livingstone used Stanford’s maps during their expeditions in Africa, which helped enhance the company’s reputation for accuracy and reliability.
• Commercial Maps and Atlases: Stanford’s shop catered not only to government officials and explorers but also to the general public. The firm published detailed maps of London, the British Isles, Europe, and other regions of the world. Many of these maps were known for their clarity and precision and became popular among travellers, students, and academics. The London Atlas of Universal Geography, first published in 1862, was one of Stanford’s most famous works, known for its comprehensive coverage and beautifully crafted maps.

Contributions to Education and Cartography

Stanford’s influence extended beyond map publishing. His maps were used extensively in schools and universities, helping to educate generations of students in geography. His firm was instrumental in producing educational materials such as atlases, wall maps, and globes, which became standard tools in British classrooms.

In addition to his publishing achievements, Stanford supported the development of cartographic techniques. His firm embraced advances in printing and lithography, enabling the mass production of maps while maintaining high levels of detail and accuracy. The Stanford maps became known for their clear presentation and innovative use of colour to distinguish political boundaries, physical features, and other important details.

Involvement in National and International Projects

Stanford’s maps were not limited to educational or commercial use; they were also utilised by the British government. His firm was contracted to produce maps for official purposes, including for the military, the Post Office, and other government departments. Stanford’s firm was instrumental in creating the first comprehensive mapping of the British railway system, and their maps were used in the planning of various infrastructure projects throughout the UK.

Internationally, Edward Stanford Ltd. produced maps of key geopolitical importance, including for diplomatic conferences and negotiations. As Britain expanded its influence globally, Stanford’s maps were often used by officials and diplomats to navigate international relations and conflicts.

Edward Stanford’s Legacy

Edward Stanford’s personal involvement in the cartographic world lasted until his retirement in 1882. He passed the business on to his son, Edward Stanford Jr., who continued the family legacy of producing high-quality maps. The firm remained at the forefront of cartographic innovation well into the 20th century.

The Stanford name became synonymous with cartographic excellence, and the firm produced maps that covered a vast array of topics, from colonial territories to urban development. The Stanford’s General Map of the World, published in multiple editions, was a particularly influential work, reflecting the latest geographical knowledge and discoveries of the time.

Stanford’s Shop: A Cartographic Landmark

The Edward Stanford Ltd. shop in London, located at various times in different parts of the city, was itself a landmark for cartographers, explorers, and travellers. By the late 19th century, Stanford’s shop had become the go-to place for anyone needing maps or geographical information. Its location in Charing Cross placed it at the heart of London’s intellectual and commercial centre.

Visitors to Stanford’s would find not only a comprehensive selection of maps and atlases but also globes, books, and other geographical materials. The shop became a symbol of British cartography, serving the needs of the imperial administrators, explorers heading off on expeditions, and ordinary people looking to learn more about the world.

Death and Continuing Influence

Edward Stanford died on 3 November 1904, but his contributions to the world of cartography left an enduring legacy. The firm he founded continued to operate as a leading cartographic publisher well into the 20th century, adapting to the changing needs of geography and travel. Today, Edward Stanford Ltd. still exists, having transformed into Stanfords, the iconic map and travel bookshop, which continues to be one of the most famous map shops in the world.

Conclusion

Edward Stanford was a pivotal figure in the history of cartography, whose work and vision transformed the map-making industry in Britain. His firm provided indispensable resources for explorers, government officials, and the general public, shaping the way people understood and navigated the world. Through his innovative maps, atlases, and educational materials, Stanford’s contributions to geography and cartography remain highly respected and his name continues to be synonymous with high-quality, reliable maps even today.

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