| Description | The European travel journal of Mrs M. E. Fraser written during a period of ten months between June 1872 and April 1873. The journal is entitled 'Notes of our Tour on the Continent' firstly in the Channel Islands, and then in various cities in France and Switzerland. Places visited and described include the Channel Islands, Paris, Strasbourg, Lucerne, Interlaken, Bern, Geneva, Montreaux, Lyons, Avignon, Marseilles, Cannes, Nice, and Mentone. Entries are recorded for most days throughout their journey although it appears that the journal was written up, or at least completed, at a later date: the final entry is signed M. E. Fraser 'finished 23 October 1873'. The journal has also been partially used as a scrapbook and some items have been attached to the front and back covers. There is also a loose insert of a hand drawn map contained within the pages of the journal.
The journal provides an insight into European travel during the 1870s and mention is made of historical events including The Paris Commune of 1871. European manners and customs are commented upon; contemporary modes of travel are discussed; and places of interest the couple visit are often described in significant detail. |
| Administrative History | It is not possible to ascertain any significant information regarding the writer of this journal and her background. Internal evidence states that the author is a Mrs M. E. Fraser and her birthday is 24 October. She is married to a gentleman named Jim and the couple reside in Milner Square, London. |