Analysis of map evidence
The collection of ancient maps in the York City library was examined. The
plan was to see if the River Ouse had wandered from its course in the vicinity
of modern Fulford. The maps, publication dates and some notes are tabulated
below.
The topographic quality of the maps is variable. The purpose and market for
the maps was evident from the features that were marked – Great Houses,
Churches, tides or passable roads. Villages on the edge of a marsh were not seen
as very important in this context so a limited amount of detail was available.
However, on some points the maps were consistent.
Course of the River Ouse
Of the 8 maps, all but one of the maps (Morden 1695), defines the distinctive
bend in the river just beyond Fulford. Using this distinctive feature it appear
that the river has flowed from York to Fulford following roughly the same line.
There is certainly no evidence of a consistent variation.
Location of a drain or ditch near Fulford
Until the Plamer map in 1726 there is no marking of a ditch where Germany
Beck now flows. This map show the tide tables along the River Ouse as far as the
Humber. As it was designed for sailors the location of the 'river' in the
location of Germany Beck is probably fairly accurate. It shows a bridge over the
Beck. There are no other tributaries between Fulford and York.
Fulford place name
Using the sharp bend mentioned earlier it is possible to place Fulford
reasonably accurately. The church at St Oswald’s is often marked providing
another point of reference. The place name of Fulford wanders around and often
vanishes. It is impossible to draw any conclusions for the location of the place
names Gate Fulford, Water Fulford or Fulford itself.
The earliest map (Saxton 1577) shows Foule Sutton where modern Fulford is
located. Fowl Sutton is still on the maps a century later. Foule Sutton is used
through the 18th century. Sutton is an Anglo Saxon name for South
farmstead. Bowan’s map of 1750 has concentric circles for the centre of York
and shows Gate Fulford correctly located at a distance of 2 miles.
There is little point expecting to find 'contemporary' records referring to
the name Fulford as this probably post-dates the battle. The descriptive nature
of the name remains attractive. It is surprising that it is not more common as
there must have been many swampy fords around the country.
|
Cartographer
Or publisher |
Date |
Notes |
|
Saxton |
1577 & 1607 |
Foule Sutton. Shape of river along modern course |
|
John Speede |
1610 |
Fowles Sutton: Course similar to present. The
reverse of the map has an interesting commentary |
|
John Blaey |
1645 |
Foule Sutton: River on present course
But another version puts Middlethorpe on the East bank in place of any
Fulford |
|
Robert Morden |
1695 |
Fowl Sutton with gate Fulford East of Heslington |
|
John Boulter |
1712 |
Foule Sutton: River on present course |
|
William Palmer |
1726 |
Tide map. Bridge over Beck besides Gate Fouldford. River on modern
course |
|
E Bowan |
1750 |
Gate Fulford accurate positioned by distance from City. |
|
C Smith |
1804 |
Gate Pulford and Water Pulford in modern locations and Beck in modern
position |
|
