The first British tourists were young, mostly male, 17th, 18th and 19th century elites who embarked on long trips around the continent once they had come of age (around 21 years).

Ostensibly it was all about immersing oneself in foreign culture, visiting ancient ruins and admiring Rennaissance art. In reality, the custom of the Grand Tour was just as much about fun and debauchery. “I remembered the rakish deeds of Horace and those other amorous Roman poets, and I thought that one might well allow one’s self a little indulgence in a city where there are prostitutes licensed by the Cardinal Vicar,” wrote James Boswell, the Scottish diarist upon arriving in Rome.

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