Maps exhibition will show Annan from bygone era

ANNAN The History Town will wrap up their summer schedule of events this weekend with their Exhibition of all Exhibitions at St Andrew’s Church Hall on Saturday and Sunday.

The venue will be packed with information on the town from a bygone era, including, new for 2025, street maps of old Annan showcasing how the area has changed over the years.

The maps, collated by group members Peter and Val Russell, date from as far back as 1759.

Peter, above, said: “These maps will form an enormous display. The more you look at them, the more there is to see.

“I have had them for quite some time. (They allow you to) see how a place has developed as well as the changes in names and spellings.

“I’m trying to work out where the names for roads and streets came from, sometimes (for example) it was after famous people. Roads usually led to a place Hospital Road led to a hospital, whereas streets usually had businesses or housing.”

Peter and Val have annotated the maps as much as possible, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Annan’s past.

Exhibition attendees will learn all about all the various Wynds, Closes and Places; and how the town has developed.

Street maps will not be the only thing on display, however, as popular past exhibitions will also return.

Peter and Val urge anyone interested to come along as well as other avid historians who may be able to share information and anecdotes with the group.

Peter added: “It will be jam-packed with information on Annan. There will be stuff on railways, schools, buildings and industries.

“Come and see Annan like you have never seen it before!”

• MEMBERS of the public who are interested in attending the exhibition are encouraged to bring along any old pictures or memorabilia they would like to share with the group.