Cheltenham is set to gain a prestigious new historical map, thanks to a campaign aiming to raise £35,000 to bring the project to life. The Cheltenham Civic Society is partnering with The Historic Towns Trust (HTT), a respected national charity known for producing educational atlases and detailed historical maps of British towns and cities.
The Civic Society has established a dedicated project board led by Sarah Staniforth and Adrian Phillips, alongside local historians, geographers, heritage experts, and educators. Adrian Phillips, chair of the Civic Society’s planning forum, emphasizes the map’s value: “These maps are beautiful, serving as a fascinating and accessible record of a town’s history and heritage. Cheltenham truly deserves one.”
The planned map will be meticulously researched, designed, and produced over the next one to two years. It will be available for purchase online through HTT’s website and at quality booksellers, retailing at around £12.
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Currently, the project board is focused on recruiting a project coordinator who will manage the collection of information and collaborate closely with HTT’s cartographer to create the detailed artwork. The effort has already received a generous £10,000 donation from a Civic Society member, providing a strong foundation toward the £35,000 goal.
To cover the remaining costs—including design, production, community engagement, and educational outreach—the board seeks to raise an additional £25,000. Fundraising efforts will be led by Civic Society member Colin Smith, who has a proven track record following his campaign for the WWI Battlefield Crosses Museum.
Smith plans to approach major local employers and key sponsors to secure the necessary funding. The project coordinator appointment is expected imminently, followed by a formal launch event slated for September 15 at the Pittville Pump Room, as part of the Heritage Open Days festival.
While the project’s timeline may extend, the goal is to complete research and production by summer 2027, aiming to publish the map in autumn 2027. An unveiling event is already planned for the Cheltenham Literature Festival in October 2027, promising a memorable celebration of the town’s rich heritage.