# What does BSW^D mean on old maps? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 23, 2017, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265 "2017-05-23T10:30:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/1 "2017-05-23T10:30:27Z")
Possibly a UK-centric thing, but who knows. Have a look at [this map](http://maps.nls.uk/view/101456171). If you zoom into the canal basin by the river, just south of it is a patch of land with ‘BSW^D’ on it (well, it looks like an upwards-pointing arrow). I see it dotted all over the map, but I’m not sure what it means. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/2 "2017-05-23T10:56:55Z")
Note that south of the river, you see “BSW^D” and north of the river, you see “BPW^D.” At the bottom, under “Characteristics and Symbols,” some things are explained, but it says, “For other information, see Characteristic Sheet.” Is that “Sheet” available as part of this series? I love maps! If Google Maps/Earth had existed when I was a kid, I’d have never left the house! ---
**Author:** ![WildBlueYonder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/ce7236/32.png) [@WildBlueYonder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WildBlueYonder)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/3 "2017-05-23T11:02:09Z")
> [@Malden\_Capell](#): > > Possibly a UK-centric thing, but who knows. > > Have a look at [this map](http://maps.nls.uk/view/101456171). If you zoom into the canal basin by the river, just south of it is a patch of land with ‘BSW^D’ on it (well, it looks like an upwards-pointing arrow). > > I see it dotted all over the map, but I’m not sure what it means. My opinion: Probably some sort of ownership initials. (I await the solution from a more intelligent member) ---
**Author:** ![naita](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/naita/32/5862_2.png) [@naita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/naita)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/4 "2017-05-23T11:10:44Z")
The characteristic sheet doesn’t have those abbreviations: [View map: Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey six-inch characteristics sheet - Ordnance Survey Six-inch England and Wales, 1842-1952](http://maps.nls.uk/view/74477147) But in the list of abbreviations B.S. and B.P. are listed as boundary stones and boundary posts, which make sense in context. [Ordnance Survey Abbreviations - National Library of Scotland](http://maps.nls.uk/os/abbrev/index.html) ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/5 "2017-05-23T11:11:54Z")
Seems it may be the code for [Birmingham Snow Hill](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Birmingham_Snow_Hill_station) rail station – so maybe those parcels are owned by a railway company connecting that station with another whose code is “D.” ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/6 "2017-05-23T11:13:28Z")
Here’s a timetable using those initials for that station: > **[Trains Birmingham - Gravesend: times, prices and tickets starting from $ 45.22...](https://www.virail.com/train-birmingham-gravesend)** > > Trains from Birmingham to Gravesend: all train connections ✓ all times ✓ all prices ✓ Find the cheapest tickets for all cities online. Book now! ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/7 "2017-05-23T11:15:00Z")
Or maybe not. That actually seems pretty far fetched. No idea. Carry on! ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/8 "2017-05-23T11:22:39Z")
> [@naita](#): > > The characteristic sheet doesn’t have those abbreviations: [http://maps.nls.uk/view/74477147](http://maps.nls.uk/view/74477147) > > But in the list of abbreviations B.S. and B.P. are listed as boundary stones and boundary posts, which make sense in context. [Ordnance Survey Abbreviations - Map Images - National Library of Scotland](http://maps.nls.uk/os/abbrev/index.html) Correct. Check link below under heading “CONVENTIONAL SIGNS” for definition of B. S. W. D. > **[View map: Ordnance Survey, Conventional Signs and Writing Used on the 1/2500...](https://maps.nls.uk/view/128076891)** > > Historic map - Conventional Signs and Writing Used on the 1/2500 Plans of the Ordnance Survey. Plate I. by Ordnance Survey, published in , part of the Ordnance Survey Characteristic Sheets series ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/9 "2017-05-23T11:31:30Z")
W.D. is the [War](https://gosportsociety.co.uk/smforum/index.php?topic=35.0) [Department](http://www.kenthistoryforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=4074.15), in this context. You might also find Admiralty Dept. markers. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/10 "2017-05-23T11:37:27Z")
[More info](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Department_(United_Kingdom)) on the War Department and the [broad arrow symbol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_arrow#Use_for_British_Government_property) ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/11 "2017-05-23T11:44:21Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > [More info](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_Department_(United_Kingdom)) on the War Department and the [broad arrow symbol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broad_arrow#Use_for_British_Government_property) Neat! Now I know about the [Pine Tree Riot](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pine_Tree_Riot), a precursor to the American Revolution. Gotta love the Dope! ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/12 "2017-05-23T11:55:53Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > … > I love maps! If Google Maps/Earth had existed when I was a kid, I’d have never left the house! Now that seems to be answered, can I just add that I love maps too, and especially the Ordnance Survey. The level of detail and accuracy is astonishing. Every stone, stile, footbridge (even if it’s a plank over a two-foot-wide ditch, literally), footpath, fence and hedge is drawn with loving care and a wonderful uncluttered economy. They are both a pleasure to use, and to simply look at. ---
**Author:** ![Dave.B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9f8e36/32.png) [@Dave.B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dave.B)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/13 "2017-05-23T12:55:49Z")
Well this is a bizarre coincidence. I’ve just spent the last couple of weeks writing a flood risk assessment for the gate across the entrance to that very canal basin. ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/14 "2017-05-23T13:16:41Z")
> [@Dave.B](#): > > Well this is a bizarre coincidence. I’ve just spent the last couple of weeks writing a flood risk assessment for the gate across the entrance to that very canal basin. How about that! Let me know - I’m buying a house in the area 😃 ---
**Author:** ![blindboyard](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/blindboyard/32/2833_2.png) [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/15 "2017-05-23T19:01:21Z")
> [@RobDog](#): > > Correct. > > Check link below under heading “CONVENTIONAL SIGNS” for definition of B. S. W. D. > > [http://maps.nls.uk/view/128076891](http://maps.nls.uk/view/128076891) Could you either say what it is or link to an image where the writing is more than a blur? ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/16 "2017-05-23T19:17:34Z")
> [@](#): > > Be Sure to Write > > Dad He worries about you when you’re traveling. ---
**Author:** ![RobDog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/f07891/32.png) [@RobDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RobDog)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/17 "2017-05-23T19:27:10Z")
> [@blindboyard](#): > > Could you either say what it is or link to an image where the writing is more than a blur? The image is perfectly clear when zoomed in. Try using Ctrl and + to zoom in if you are using a PC, or the stretch gesture with your finger and thumb on a touchscreen. ---
**Author:** ![Gatopescado](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gatopescado/32/5711_2.png) [@Gatopescado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gatopescado)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/18 "2017-05-23T19:51:58Z")
Is there no question that can’t be answered by The Dope? Amazing. ---
**Author:** ![Teuton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teuton/32/3864_2.png) [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/19 "2017-05-23T20:16:33Z")
The image linked says that BSW^D stands for W.D. Boundary Stone, and others have noted the use of W^D for War Dept. The Admiralty Dept. has a little anchor between the A and the D, but I can’t see one on that particular map. ---
**Author:** ![Malden\_Capell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/malden_capell/32/5274_2.png) [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2017, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265/20 "2017-05-23T20:34:29Z")
OK, follow-up question: why would the War Dept have boundary stones here? Is it a standard thing for all coastline? I know Tilbury fort is directly opposite… [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-bsw-d-mean-on-old-maps/787265.md?page=2)