Chapter 6: Travel and Transportation
Travel in 18th century England was a vastly different experience from what we know today. This chapter explores the various modes of transportation, road conditions, and travel experiences of the time.
Coaches and Carriages
For those who could afford it, travel by coach or carriage was the primary mode of long-distance transportation. However, it was far from comfortable. Sophie von la Roche, a German visitor, describes a journey:
We set off from the Kingshead about two o’clock in our cart .. unpleasant ride home. horse lame and it rain’d almost all the way home. We had our great coats and a large umbrella which kept a great deal of the rain from us.
Road Conditions
The state of roads was often poor, making travel slow and sometimes dangerous. Dr. Claver Morris describes a challenging journey:
Called to Mr. Hooper at Stratton. Mr. Lucas [the Surgeon] went with me. The snow was generally on Mendip about a foot deep, and in some places up to the Belly’s of our horses.
Travel Times
Journeys that we consider short today could take days in the 18th century. Dr. Morris notes:
I set out, about 9 a clock in a journey to visit my Lady Davie at Sir George Chudleigh’s at Ashton 7 miles beyond Exeter …I came to the Fountain in Taunton after 6 a clock, & lodg’d there.
Inns and Accommodations
Inns played a crucial role in travel, providing food, lodging, and fresh horses. Nancy Woodforde describes a stay at an inn:
Uncle and self breakfasted at the King’s Head. Had my hair cut and dressed by Mr. Nosworthy this morning for which I paid 2s. Walked to Mr. Graham’s shop when I bought 2 yds. and half of broad Ribbon for a sash which my Uncle promised to give me.
Sea Travel
For longer journeys or to reach coastal towns, sea travel was sometimes necessary. However, it could be dangerous and uncomfortable. Dudley Ryder mentions the perils of sea travel:
Not having had the smallpox, it was considered necessary, previous to my embarking in my new way of life, to have me inoculated, for which purpose I was taken to Twickenham, where my father had just built and completed a handsome spacious mansion.
Walking and Riding
For shorter distances or those who couldn’t afford coach travel, walking or horseback riding were common. William Holland often mentions riding:
After this I had Mr. Woodhouse’s horse and Morris rode the great horse and we sallied forth like Don Quixote and his man Sancho Panza for Ashold.
Travel for Leisure
Despite the difficulties, some people traveled for pleasure. Mary Delany describes a trip to Bath:
We have got very good lodgings in College Green at five shillings a room, and may stay a day or a week at the same price. The doctor thought a respite from drinking the waters (as the weather is remarkably warm) for two or three days would be best for me.
Dangers of the Road
Highway robbery was a real concern for travelers. M. Grosley, a French traveler, notes:
It seemed most probable that we should meet none of those gentry who are called collectors of the highway, and of whom there is a great number upon the road: in fact we saw none of that sort, but such as were hanging upon gibbets at the roadside: there they dangle, dressed from head to foot, and with wigs upon their heads.
In conclusion, travel in 18th century England was a challenging and often time-consuming affair. Whether by coach, on horseback, or on foot, journeys were slow and could be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Despite these difficulties, people still traveled for business, health, and pleasure, and the experiences of these travelers provide us with valuable insights into life in this period.