Title: Geological map of Scarborough

Creator: William Smith (1769-1839)

Description: Geological colouring by William Smith, on the base map ‘A map of the country round Scarborough in the North and East Ridings of Yorkshire from actual trigonometrical survey with topographical geological and antiquarian descriptions by Robert Knox of Scarborough, published June 1, 1821’. Signed and dated by Smith on the bottom right hand corner.

Smith retired to Scarborough in 1834, but had close associations with the seaside town from 1820. The above map is one of Smith’s last completed geological works.

The difference in the colouring is very subtle and there is no colour key, instead the strata is labelled around the edges:

Light blue – Sandstone, shale & coal

Yellow – Grey or Bath Oolite

Red – Dogger or Inferior Oolite

Grey – Alum or Lias Shale

Green – Chalk

Light brown – Hackness or Kelloways Rock

Mid brown – Calcareous Grit

Mid blue – Oxford Clay

Greyish blue – Kimmeridge Clay

Light orange – Coralline Oolite

Date: 1831

Format: Hand colouring on printed base map.

Archive reference: LDGSL/750

Image reference: 07-131

Recommended print size: Up to 100 x 70cm