Shown here are just two examples of 1,500 maps and plans contained in the Sutherland Papers, dating from the 16th to the 19th centuries. These include maps of towns and villages on the Sutherland estates in North and South Staffordshire and Shropshire, which are important for tracing the historical development of particular places.

There are also plans for the landscaping of Trentham Park, including Capability Brown’s original design for the park of 1759. Sir Charles Barry’s presentation portfolio of his plans for the new Italianate-style Trentham Hall in 1834 is one of the jewels of the collection.

There are also plans relating to the development of transport. For example, in 1758 Lord Gower commissioned James Brindley to survey a canal down the Trent Valley. His survey plan (see right), modified in 1760, is included in the collection.