In doing research for my latest novel, I came upon a helpful resource, a book on the subject of Florence Nightingale’s travels through Europe. Because my book is set in the same time period, Nightingale’s letters and journals, documenting her travels, were priceless.
Among other modes of travel, which included ships and omnibuses, she frequently traveled in a diligence, the popular name for a French stagecoach. A diligence was drawn by either four or six horses, and had a place in front like a small porch, on which one could stand or sit. Diligences were used mainly between towns or rail stations, and competed with canal boats, until rail travel in Europe became more widespread in the last half of the 19th century.
Joyce Elson Moore
15 comments:
Hi, Joyce,
I always think of the stagecoach connected with the American West.
But obviously they were just as popular in Europe until the railroads took over. I'd love to hear more about your new novel!
Great information. I am usually researching clothing from the 19th century for my own writing...but must agree particular modes of travel and their correct period names are just as important for authenticity.
Diligences. Who would have thunk? :)
As usual, another fascinating bit of research. Thanks for sharing, Joyce!
Hi Joyce,
I love tidbits of history. Thanks for sharing your research info with us. Love the visual pics, too. :)
Very interesting, and one more reason I'm glad to be born in the 20th century (I know it is now the 21st century, but was born ... well you get the picture.
Loved the pictures.
Great info - thanks for sharing.
Interesting, Joyce. Wouldn't it be fun to visit back then for a day or two? After a bumpy ride I bet I'd be happy to be back in the 21st-century!
Jackie: Thanks for stopping. My new novel is out right now, to an agent and also an editor, so we'll see how things go.
Karen: I had never heard the word until reading it in the book about Nightingale's travel, where she kept saying "the diligence" and finally I caught on. LOL.
Rebbie: Glad you came by. I know, I was surprised at the word. Nightingale's descriptions, and letters as to how long it took to travel from one place to another, were very helpful.
Karen: Nice to see you again, and glad to share. Thanks for the comment.
Lynne: You're right, travel was no fun then. Also, they had to change from one conveyance to another to get somewhere, because sometimes the trains ran to the middle of nowhere.
Lu/Grace: Hi, and thanks for stopping. I went to your website. It's beautiful, and I enjoyed reading your little "slices of life" musings. I could picture the hens, pecking and scratching. I love hens, for some reason--maybe because we had them as kids, and I remember one fat Rhode Island Red that layed double-yoked eggs all the time. Thanks for visiting us.
Lindi: Yes, one day is about all I'd want, with no A/C or automobiles. Glad you stopped by.
Thanks for the summer reading suggestions, Jacqueline. Looking forward to reading The truth Sleuth. I'm curious about the reluctant psychic, Kim. Probably because I have a similar character sleuth in my latest series book - and a female to boot.
Mary
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