Stockport, and indeed Greater Manchester more generally, is perhaps best known for its industrial history. 

It is refreshing, therefore, to see the area represented in an altogether different fashion; in the style of a medieval map.

A style such as this - evocative as it is of fantastical lands and quaint villages - represents a departure from the ruthlessly efficient, clean lines of Victorian town plans, or indeed the multi-coloured riot of Google Maps. 

For Chris James Birse, the artist behind the project, this Greater Manchester map is one of a series, which started out of necessity.

"It started when I needed to produce a map to help me write a novel", Chris said. "I had no experience of doing anything like it before."

Still, self-evidently, Chris quickly developed a knack for this kind of digital map-making, and soon moved onto a further project.

Prints of the map can be bought online - see the link at the bottom of this article (Image - Chris James Birse)

"Then I did a map of Teeside, where I'm from originally. [...] I'm trying to do different counties across the UK - that's how I came to doing one of Greater Manchester."

One of the most striking things about the map is both its scale and its level of detail, particularly since Chris is not local to Greater Manchester. 

To acquire as much local knowledge as possible, Chris describes asking around in local Facebook groups for 'lore'; hidden landmarks, pre-industrial sites, and so forth.

"I received over 1,500 comments across all the different groups", Chris said. "Really I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who commented and suggested locations - I wouldn't have been able to do it without them."

Eagle-eyed viewers will be able to find all sorts, from Edgeley Park - or, perhaps more aptly, Edgelius Parcum - to ancient standing stones. 

Looking for a print of the map for your home? Find a range of sizes HERE.

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