Manuscript, in a single hand, of the journey of Thomas Turner, copied by B. Leech, from Dieppe through France and Italy to Naples and thence to Venice, Turin, Paris, the Low Countries, and back to England. The author records primarily historical anecdotes about the cities and landmarks he visits as well as notations of interesting artifacts there; his observations on their fortifications and architectural details; and descriptions of attractive landscapes. He observes the strong and regular walls at Piacenza and Vicenza and gives a brief history of the siege in 1656 in Valenciennes. He notes that the hill "called Mons Tertaceus" is made entirely of pot-shards; and at Nimes, he writes, "There are many other antiquities, as eagles without heads, ancient inscriptions & such like, to be found, in several parts of the town." He concludes his narrative with a description of his return to Dover by packet-boat, where he lodges at "the Ship, called the Welcome to Dover." Pasted in throughout are 43 diagrams of fortifications in European cities, including the Citadel at Marseilles; the Fortress of Montmelian upon a Rock in Savoy; the Citadel at Capua; and the Town & Fortress of Cambray.
Description:
At beginning of volume is a genealogy of "The Family of Mrs. Cecilia Chester" to 1745, which concludes with a brief genealogy of Lady Cecilia Neville Duchess of York, from whom is descended "King Charles now living.", Binding: contemporary vellum, with title on spine: Turner's Itinerary. 1659 to 1662., For information on the source of acquisition, consult the appropriate curator., Index at end of manuscript., The manuscript begins with an "Abstract, from the Manuscript Itinerary of Thomas Turner Esqr, with copies of his drawings, of several well fortified places, which are very strong, by Art or Nature, or both united, in 1659 to 1662. (In the possession of Mrs. Jackson, wife of Mr. Jackson Surgeon Bedford.) Transcribed &c. by B. Leech.", and Written on flyleaf: For the Table of the Route, see the page VI. & The Alphabetical Index. pa. 178.
Subject (Geographic):
England--Genealogy., France--Description and travel., Italy--Description and travel., and Netherlands--Description and travel.
Subject (Name):
Chester family. and Turner, Thomas,--fl. 1659-1662.
Subject (Topic):
Fortification--Design., Fortification--Europe., Tourism--Europe., and Travelers' writings, English.
Holograph journal on paper kept by a young man (possibly the son of Martin Lister?) on a tour through France, Switzerland, northern Germany, and Holland. He comments on the expenses and difficulties of traveling, the customs of different cities, and his impressions of various sights, including the Tuilleries, a visit to Versailles with the English Ambassador, the Roman amphitheatre at Rheims, the baths at Aix-la-Chapelle where "English cuntry dances are most in fashion," the relics of Mary, Queen of Scots displayed by the English Jesuits at Lisge, and the charnel yard of the cathedral at Havre-de-Grace. and Other subjects include his visit to the Royal Palace at the Hague, with descriptions of the private apartments of Lord Albemarle, the Duke of Portland, and others; his impressions of King William III in council with the States General; comments on laws and customs in Montpellier; and his opinion of the theater in Paris, where he found the costumes and stagings finer than in England but wrote that "theyr comedyes are not near so good as our Playes nor do they Act better."
Description:
Binding: contemporary parchment., Flyleaf annotated in 19th century hands: "Diary ? by Martin Lister. Yes.", For information on the source of acquisition, consult the appropriate curator., and Volume is incomplete, with text missing between the current 23v and 24r, and another possible break between 25v and 26r.
Subject (Geographic):
Belgium--Description and travel., France--Description and travel., Hague (Netherlands)--Court and courtiers., Hague (Netherlands)--Description and travel., Montpellier (France)--Description and travel., Montpellier (France)--Social life and customs., Netherlands--Description and travel., Netherlands--Social life and customs., and Orange (France : Principality)--Description and travel.
Subject (Name):
Montagu, Charles,--Duke of Manchester,--1660?-1722. and William--III,--King of England,--1650-1722.
Subject (Topic):
Grand tours (Education) and Travelers' writings, English.
