Travels around britain in the 17-19th century

[deanomcbeano]

Hi there, I'm currently looking for any books written by authors during the 17-19th centuries details their travels around britain. I'm interested in anything that details the social and economic history of the period through the eyes of the authors.

 

So far I've come across Rural Rides by William Corbett, and another by Daniel Defoe. But I recall from days of study (many years ago!) there were quite a number of authors or diarists detailing such activities.

 

Any suggestions are welcome

 

Cheers

 

dean

[Janet]

Okay, I haven't read this yet (it's on my Amazon Wish List, and it's not actually someone travelling round England - I think it's largely based in Manchester and surrounding areas), but the snappily titled ( ) The Conditions of the Working-Class in England might be of interest?

 

I know it's outside the scope of 17th to 19th century, but I really recommend Orwell's Down and Out in Paris and London and The Road to Wigan Pier, both published in the 1930s are excellent social commentaries, even though the first half of the former is set in France. I have actually read these!

 

Another on my Wish List is Voltaire's Letters on England

 

Not what you're after, but I have William Corbett's Cottage Economy on my Wish List - I knew the author's name (in your above post) rang a bell!

 

I just wish I had the money and time to buy and read these myself!

[pickle]

This may be a little early but its a fascinating social and economic history of the time The Voices of Morebath: Reformation and Rebellion in an English Village but its 16th Century

 

From Amazon ~: The Voices of Morebath is the story of a hamlet buried deep in the heart of Devon. The parish priest, Sir Christopher Trychay remained in office through the troubled times of the mid-16th century. During his long tenure he carefully recorded the impact of national events in his ordinary rural community

 

hope that helps

[deanomcbeano]

thank you for both of your replies. there's definitely some stuff there for me to look into. I've already read the road to wigan pier, but the other book sounds like the kind of thing I'm after.

 

@pickles - your suggestions seems great - living in devon as I do - I'm more than willing to give it a try.

 

cheers

 

dean

[Raven]

You can download - free of charge - a copy of Bradshaw's Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain (in four parts!) from here: Bradshaw's Handbook for Tourists in Great Britain (this is the book Michael Portillo is using in his Great Railway Journeys series that is currently airing on BBC Two).

 

Also, another good source of authors of travel books is Nick Crane's TV series, Great British Journeys. They may not all be in the time zone you are looking at, but it's an interesting series and may give you some tips.

 

 

 

 

[Janet]

Thanks, Raven - I've been enjoying (on and off) Michael Portillo's TV programme and was looking at the DVD (on Amazon) but I'm not sure I'd actually watch it that much - the link is proving most interesting.

[Raven]

Yeah, I spent a few hours looking up different places after I downloaded it last week.