Stanfords is the UK's leading specialist retailer of maps, travel books and other travel accessories, having been established ... in 1853 by Edward Stanford. Our flagship store in Covent Garden, London, first opened its doors in January 1901 and can justly claim to offer the world's largest stock of maps and travel books under one roof. It has been an essential first port of call for adventure and armchair travellers alike for 161 years. Our roll-call of customers past and present includes such famous names as Amy Johnson, David Livingstone, Scott of the Antarctic, Ernest Shackleton, Florence Nightingale, Ranulph Fiennes, Bill Bryson, Michael Palin, and even Sherlock Holmes. Stanfords is a member of :- • International Map Trade Association • British Marine Federation • Booksellers Association Stanfords Business Mapping: The UK's leading retail suppliers of Ordnance Survey mapping for professionals and planning applications. Our expanding range of both paper mapping and map data for businesses can be supplied either by ordering online or by contacting our national service centre, who will despatch your mapping the same day either by email or post. Through Stanfords Direct service you can also register to browse and download mapping directly from your own desktop. read more