Maps and journeys intersect in many ways, and Debbie Hall’s recent book Adventures in Maps tells the stories of 20 journeys, routes and adventures, illustrated by maps.

Some maps describe the route that a traveller followed, some are the results of exploration, and others were made to show future travellers the way to go. They range from journeys of a few miles to great adventures across land, sea, air and space.

They include the first recorded landing on Rockall, an isolated rock in the North Atlantic, and a 17th century sea chart to illustrate a privateer’s journey across the Atlantic.

On land, David Hogarth was a 19th century explorer who travelled along the Euphrates exploring both history and geography, while Thomas Cook and the first passenger railways enabled more people than ever before to expand their horizons beyond their local area.

About the speaker

Debbie Hall is a Senior Library Assistant in the Map Room of the Bodleian Library. She has previously worked in the British Library Map Library, and in the Map Room of the Royal Geographical Society.

Booking information

  • Advance booking for this event is required. In order to book you will need an account on our website. If you already have an account you will be prompted to log in when you click 'book now'. Please create an account if you do not have one yet (you do not need to be a member of the Society to create an account).
  • Tickets are £5, and free for RGS-IBG members. Students can book free tickets by entering the code STUDENT26 at checkout. Please book by midday on 7 October.
  • We do not issue tickets (electronic or physical) for this event. Instead your name will be on a list at the door.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your booking, please email events@rgs.org

This event has been organised by the South East regional committee.

Venue information

This event will be held at Cheney School, Room L1, via Gipsy Lane entrance, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7QH.

Entrance at rear of school on Gypsy Lane. Easily reached by bus from Oxford (5 and 8) and there is ample parking.

Accessibility at our events

We want everyone to feel welcome at our events. If you have any questions or specific access requirements, feel free to get in touch with us on access@rgs.org

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Key Information

Open to all
Wednesday 7 October 2026
6.30pm-8.00pm
Oxford

In-person
Member £0.00, Non-member £5.00
Book now