The Grand Tour to Italy

Abstract

It would be unwise to neglect Mary Somerville’s profound love of Italy. During her days in Hanover Square, we know that she already paid visits to many of the important cities. During each trip she and her husband renewed old friendships and made new ones. Up until 1792, touring in Europe had been a popular habit for wealthy British people. The so-called Grand Tour, a long trip around Europe which could take years and allowed those who took part to enjoy the atmosphere and beauty of all the most interesting sites in the various countries. Between 1792 and 1815, the familiar route of the Grand Tour had been blocked due to the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. But after Waterloo in June 1815, those English people who could afford it once again began to cross the Channel and spend much time especially in France, Switzerland, Holland, Germany, and Italy. Mary and William Somerville did the same, and they took great pleasure in each such experience.