Map

Object Type
'Wyld's Map of London and Visitor's Guide to the Great Exhibition, 1851' is a folding map, contained between two small board covers, issued by James Wyld, the Cartographer and Geographer Royal.

Historical Associations
This map was one of a number of maps and guides produced during the period of the Great Exhibition, which took place from May to October, 1851. Approximately 5 million of the 6 million visitors came from outside London, both from Britain and from abroad. Thousands of people travelled long distances to visit the Exhibition, many on the newly built railways. This map of London shows the location of the Crystal Palace as well as other sights exhibition visitors might want to see. A number of attractions were specially created, such as Wyld's own 'Monster Globe' in Leicester Square, and museums such as the British Museum had specially extended visiting hours. Some visitors had never been to London before and some stayed for several days to see the capital's sights and entertainments.