Both illustrations depict the layout of a town, highlighting the transformation of its central area from the year 1700 to the present day.
Overall, the town centre has undergone significant urban development, marked by the removal of green areas – including local farms, stables, and open fields – to make way for infrastructure and residential buildings. While several key landmarks have remained intact, the shift from a rural to an urban environment is clearly evident.
In 1700, the town featured an abundance of vegetation and open land, especially in the northern and western parts of the map. Goode Farm occupied a large area in the north, surrounded by unspoiled green fields. To the west, a river flowed beneath a man-made bridge, providing water to the surrounding land, including Staggle Farm located in the bottom-left corner. The stable was positioned along St. Peter Lane, which connected to High Street. In the town centre, the church stood adjacent to the market square and a hotel, located at the far left of the block. The layout of the town during this period reflected a harmonious coexistence between traditional structures and the natural environment.
In contrast, the modern map presents a highly urbanized setting. Goode Farm has been completely replaced by a car park and rows of urban housing, supported by a network of modern roads. Similarly, the area once occupied by Staggle Farm now accommodates public roads equipped with traffic lights, zebra crossings, and road markings. At the southern end, a cluster of houses and a row of shops has been constructed, along with a roundabout connecting High Street and St. Peter Lane. On the eastern side, notable developments include apartment blocks, private housing, and a supermarket, making these the dominant features of the area.
Despite these changes, the church and the market square have remained in their original positions, preserving the historical identity of the town. Furthermore, although most green areas have been cleared, the river continues to flow across the map, now accompanied by a newly built public park.