Research On The Grand Tour Of British Aristocracy From Seventeenth To Nineteenth Century

The Grand Tour is a cultural phenomenon in which British aristocrats chose to continue their studies on the European continent after completing their university studies in the 17th and 19th centuries.During this period,after receiving the public school-university education mode,many children of British aristocratic families had to travel to the European continent for months or even years,taking into account both traveling and learning.Learning knowledge including language,etiquette,customs,natural geography and other aspects in famous cities and universities in the European continent can be regarded as the continuation of education.England in the 16th century was called an "open society" because of the great social mobility in Britain during this period,even people from humble origins could move to the upper class through their own efforts and various means such as culture and education.Under such circumstances,the sense of crisis of the traditional nobles arises spontaneously.To maintain their prestige and status,they must rely on higher cultural education to distinguish themselves from other classes.During the Tudor Dynasty,British nation-states began to take off,and the British political system and foreign policy have undergone profound changes.For these new changes in society,the British aristocrats are also facing new challenges.The requirements of the new era for nobles have shifted from military service skills to knowledge and management skills,What the country needs at this time is a new type of talents who can master the languages of various countries,be familiar with moden diplomatic skills,be able to calmly analyze internal and external situations,master legal knowledge and serve for monarch.Therefore,the Grand Tour can be regarded as an important educational way to make up the deficiency of domestic education and cultivate talents to meet the needs of the country in the new era.During this period,British education was also deeply influenced by the ideas of elite education advocated by humanist scholars.From Elyot's The Book Named the Gouernour in the 16th century to Cleland's Young Aristocrat's School in the 17th century and Locke's Some Thoughts Concerning Education,both expressing the idea of gentleman education which should cultivate strong personality and responsibility and can serve the country.Among them,both cleland and Locke attach great importance to travel as an important link in gentleman education,these humanist scholars have continuously enriched and developed the theoretical connotation and practical significance of gentleman education,and Locke also advocates that travel should be the end of gentleman education.All these educational ideas have inspired groups of young British aristocrats to travel to the European continent to study,broaden their horizons and improve their quality.The Grand Tour have had a profound impact on British society.For British aristocrats,The Grand Tour have honed their will,improved their cultural quality and laid a good foundation for their future career.Some aristocrats who returned from their study tour are keen on building private libraries and villas.They have collected destroyed books and cultural relics or works of art collected in Europe during their study tour in these buildings and displayed them.These activities have enriched the social and cultural life of British aristocrats.More importantly,The Grand Tour has also strengthened the British people's sense of national identity and further strengthened the exchanges and contacts between Britain and the countries on the European continent.