18th Century Revolution, Art & Travel Writing across Europe
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. This includes documents about the French Revolutionary Wars, travel writing, and Pompeii. They are created from documents in the Carr-Ellison collection held at Northumberland Archives and include suggested activities for a range of subjects including STEM, literacy, arts, and humanities.
Resources are available to download in Word and PDF format.
Documents
Britons to Arms
Anti-Napoleonic forces propaganda poster.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, KS5, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: Military History, Anglo-french Wars, French Revolutionary Wars, Propaganda
Returns Of Men And Carts, 1797
Returns for Seaton Delaval.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: 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.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: 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.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: 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.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: 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.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Arts & Culture, Women’s Education
Letter from John Carr to Ralph Carr about Travelling Through Europe, 1794
Letter referencing the perils of travelling during a period of war.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: 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.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Volcanoes, Pompeii, Arts & Culture
Copies Of Caravaggio’s “The Cardsharps” And Titian’s “La Bella” By Harriet Carr, About 1793
Copies of paintings found in the Uffizi Gallery produced by Harriet Carr.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: Portraiture, Master Paintings, The Grand Tour, Arts & Culture
Painting of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire By Harriet Carr, 1792
Painting made of the Duchess of Devonshire while in Italy.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: Portraiture, The Grand Tour
Paintings of Lady Elizabeth Monck by Harriet Carr, 1792
Two paintings showing Lady Elizabeth Monck as characters Una and Psyche.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: Portraiture, The Grand Tour, Travel Writing, Neoclassicism
Calling Card from Marianna Venturi, About 1793
Calling card from Marianna Venturi left for Harriet Carr.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: The Grand Tour, Society, Italian Governance
Record of Money Received by John Carr from Ralph Carr While In Italy, 1791 – 1794
Record of money received by John Carr from his father during the Grand Tour.
Suggested age groups: KS2, KS3, KS4, Lifelong Learners
Subject areas: Money, The Grand Tour
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