1911 British War Office Map of Lesotho as British Basutoland

Considered the first trigonometric survey of Lesotho, this 1911 map was published by the British War Office after the work of Captain M.C. Dobson. The map is the product of a singular effort carried out single-handedly by Dobston between 1904 and 1909. It features extensive manuscript additions and annotations by the important British military historian Geoffrey Tylden, who owned the map and likely used it in his research. The fact that Tylden was using this map nearly 50 years after its production underscores both its accuracy and longevity.

A Closer Look

This large-format map covers all of what is today Lesotho, offering mind-boggling granular detail throughout. Lesotho's complex mountain topography is meticulously rendered, including all river and stream courses. Dotted lines note footpaths through the mountains. Ruins, stores, schools, temples, villages, grazing grounds, telegraphs, and more are included.

There are copious manuscript annotations date to about 1951-56. The annotations focus on several treks through the region and include updates associated with isolated mountain peaks and passes, often with elevations. Some of the updates are significant, reflecting unique cartographic updates that likely appear on no contemporaneous printed map. These updates are almost certainly the work of the British historian Geoffrey Tylden who has signed both the map and the slipcase.

Geoffrey Tylden (1883 - 1970) was a British-born military historian known for his extensive work on South African military history. Born into a distinguished military family in England, he later settled in South Africa, where he became a leading authority on the region's military affairs. Tylden was specifically interested in the roles of indigenous African forces within colonial military structures. His research provided valuable insights into the complexities of South African military engagements and the diverse groups involved.

Basutoland to Lesotho

Basutoland was a British protectorate in southern Africa from 1868 to 1966, contiguous with present-day Lesotho. Initially inhabited by the Basotho people, the territory was unified under King Moshoeshoe I (1786 - 1870) in the early 19th century as a defensive response to regional conflicts, including the Zulu expansion and Boer encroachment. After a series of territorial losses to the Boers and fearing further annexation, Moshoeshoe appealed to Queen Victoria for protection. The British declared Basutoland a protectorate in 1868 and placed it under Cape Colony administration, though mismanagement and local resistance led to direct rule from London in 1884. Despite being surrounded by South Africa, Basutoland maintained a distinct political identity and was not incorporated into the Union of South Africa in 1910. It gained independence peacefully in 1966, becoming the Kingdom of Lesotho, a constitutional monarchy with enduring ties to its founding leadership and traditional governance structures.

Publication History and Census

This map is based on a reconnaissance survey completed by M. C. Dobson between 1904 - 09. OCLC notes examples in 11 institutional collections.