Page 26 - All About History - Issue 27-15

Tourism

Day in the life

AYOUNGNOBLEMAN

ONTHEGRANDTOUR

THE ORIGINAL LADS’ HOLIDAY,

RESERVED FOR THE ELITE OF ENGLISH

SOCIETY, EUROPE, 18TH CENTURY

Before the emergence of rail and steam as a major form of transport,
only the social elite could afford to travel for pleasure, and the
custom of young gentlemen travelling across Europe to refine
their sensibilities flourished in the 18th century. The main
focus of the journey, which could last several months, was
education and culture. This trip, through cultural centres
such as France and Italy, became a right of passage
for any young man who wished to fill a prime
position in government or society.
MEET WITH THE GUIDE

Young, curious Englishmen were not
simply unleashed upon the countries they
travelled to. As these young travellers were
often inexperienced, they usually had a
knowledgeable tutor as a chaperone. These
guides, known as Cicerones, or more casually
‘bear-leaders’, would speak the language of the
country they were travelling in. Depending on
their wealth and status, the noble traveller could Works by Leonardo Da Vinci and
Michelangelo can be found in
also be accompanied by servants. the Uffizi gallery today, as in the
days of the Grand Tour
BUY A NEW WARDROBE

Paris was a vital stopping point on the Grand Tour,
and it was essential for aspiring young noblemen
to involve themselves in the French aristocratic
life. This began by shedding their English clothes
and buying an entirely new wardrobe. Another
key part of embracing the Parisian way of life was
to practise the manners of French society, perfect
their fencing and riding skills and, of course, to
learn how to dance the popular dances of the time.

VIEW ART

One of the huge draws of the Grand Tour was the
opportunity to view exquisite paintings, sculpture
and architecture. In Britain, art collections were
displayed only in private houses, but the Grand
Tourist had the opportunity to visit the Louvre in
Paris and the Uffizi Gallery in Florence. Italy, in
particular, was a wonderland for the art lover with
its churches full of astonishingly beautiful artwork.
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