Art, Culture, Politics and Conflict during the Grand Tour
The custom of taking a Grand Tour of Europe began in the 17th century but became popular in the 18th century and continued until the advent of rail travel in the 1840s. It began as an extended educational rite of passage, often taking place over two or more years, for young men, and sometimes women, of wealthy families.
Below are a series of learning resources referencing art, culture, society, politics, conflict, and the dangers of travel through Europe during a period of war in the late 18th century. They are created from documents in the Carr-Ellison collection held at Northumberland Archives and include suggestions for further reading on each of the topics.
Resources are available to download in Word and PDF format.
Documents
Britons to Arms Poster, About 1803
Anti-Napoleonic forces propaganda poster.
Topics: Miltary History, Anglo-French Wars, French Revolutionary Wars, Propaganda
Returns Of Men And Carts, 1797
Returns for Seaton Delaval.
Topics: Military History, French Revolutionary Wars
Letters from John Carr to Isabella & Ralph Carr about the French Revolutionary Wars, 1793
Letter referencing the execution of Louis XVI and the murder of Nicholas Jean Hugdon de Bassville.
Topics: French Revolutionary Wars, Military History
Letter from John Carr to Ralph Carr about Invasions made by the French Army, 1792
Letter referencing invasions made by French Revolutionary forces and support for the forces in Italy.
Topics: French Revolutionary Wars, Military History, The Grand Tour
Letter from John Carr to Ralph Carr about Conflict with France and Influenza in Italy, 1793
Letter referencing prevalent influenza in Rome and Naples and conflict with France.
Topics: Medicine and Healthcare, French Revolutionary Wars, The Grand Tour
Letters From John And Harriet Carr About Travelling During The Grand Tour 1791
Letter referencing travel and accommodations during the Grand Tour.
Topics: The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Arts & Culture
Letter From John Carr About The Perils Of Travelling Through Europe, 1794
Letter referencing the perils of travelling during a period of war.
Topics: French Revolutionary Wars, The Grand Tour, Travel Writing
Letter from Harriet Carr About Travelling And Visiting Mount Vesuvius, 1792
Letter referencing travel to Mount Vesuvius plus paintings of Herculean or Pompeiian figures.
Topics: Portraiture, The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Pompeii
Painting of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire by Harriet Carr, 1792
Painting made of the Duchess of Devonshire while in Italy with accompanying letter referencing the painting.
Topics: Portraiture, The Grand Tour, The Duchess Of Devonshire, French Revolutionary Wars
Letter from Harriet Carr About Her Paintings, 1792
Letter referencing paintings of notable members of society, includes two paintings showing Lady Elizabeth Monck as characters Una and Psyche.
Topics: Portraiture, The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Arts & Culture
Calling Card from Marianna Venturi, About 1793
Calling card from Marianna Venturi left for Harriet Carr.
Topics: The Grand Tour, Society