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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Grand Tour
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The obligatory finishing school for any fashionable young British gentleman in the 18C. The destination was Rome, where the young man was expected to become acquainted with the classical beginnings of civilization. Likely highlights on the journey were Paris and Versailles, Nîmes (the Pont du Gard and Maison Carrée) and the scenery of the Alps. After a visit to Venice, the journey continued through Florence and on to Rome. An excursion further south to Naples might be followed by an easterly route home through Switzerland, Germany and the Low Countries.
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The young men were away for about three years and usually set off in their late teens or early twenties, travelling with a tutor and several servants. Many had a riotous time, socialized almost exclusively with other young British noblemen, and returned home little improved. But a minority acquired the taste which resulted in Britain's *stately homes being furnished with a wealth of continental treasures.
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