An image has been released by the Cynefin project showing progress of how the historic tithe maps of Wales will be linked together to create a unified tithe map of Wales.
The image demonstrates the scale of the work involved in creating the complete tithe map, which will cover 95% of Wales. Over 1,200 separate maps have been conserved and digitised over the past two years. Once digitised the maps are placed online for volunteers to georeference and clip, in order to locate and define the boundary of each parish or township. The image shows just how much work has already been completed by volunteers, and how much is left to do.
The unified map will be accurately georeferenced in order to easily compare with other modern and historical mapping layers. Through the transcription work which volunteers are also doing online, the map will be fully searchable on a free online platform – it will be possible to search and locate land owners, land occupiers and field names from 1840s Wales at a touch of a button. It will also be possible to browse the map geographically and zoom in to see individual fields, as well as details such as dwellings and woodlands.
The image itself was produced by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, who have recently relocated at the National Library of Wales. This is the first time that a glimpse of the final unified map has been produced. It is now possible for volunteers to conveniently view which areas need further work. Anybody who wants to join in and help complete this incredibly detailed map of Wales from the 1840s is welcome to do so online on cynefin.wales.