Mapping the Historic Farmsteads

The distribution of the historic farmsteads was mapped using GIS software, with the farmsteads identified using digitised 2nd edition 25” Ordnance Survey maps.

2nd Edition OS map of c1900

2nd edition 25" OS map of the Oswestry Uplands [+]
This map shows Moelydd Ucha Farm and Wern Farm set within a landscape of small irregular fields, associated with a small area of unimproved open hill pasture to the southwest.

These maps date to c.1900 and signify the close of the period of traditional farm buildings – there was relatively little change from the end of the 19th century until after the First World War at which time there was an increase in use of mass-produced buildings that do not relate to local character.

A range of other GIS datasets were also used to identify and charterise each historic farmstead.

These included:

• Tithe Award maps transcribed by H.D.G. Foxall to understand change between the 1840s and 1900.

• The Shropshire Historic Environment Record (HER) and Listed Buildings data to record the date of historic farmsteads (19th century where unknown).

• Modern digital OS mapping (Master Map) and Vertical Aerial Photography to understand survival and change.

• Address point data and conversion data to understand the current use of the farmstead.