The two maps illustrate the changes that have taken place in the centre of a town between 1700 and the present day.
Overall, the town centre has become considerably more developed and urbanised. Although several landmarks, including the church, hotel and market square, have remained unchanged, farmland has been replaced by residential and commercial facilities, while the road network has been modernised.
In 1700, the northern part of the town contained Goodes Farm, whereas the southern area mainly consisted of a field, a few shops and Steeple Farm. The church was situated to the east of the market square, while the hotel stood to the west. High Street ran through the centre of the town, and a bridge crossed the river in the north-west corner.
Today, Goodes Farm has been removed and replaced by a large car park. The field to the south has been redeveloped into a residential area, with new houses constructed along both sides of High Street. In addition, a supermarket has been built in the eastern part of the town, replacing several houses. High Street has been widened, and a roundabout has been added near the church to improve traffic flow. Despite these developments, the church, hotel, market square, public park and bridge have remained in their original locations.