Written by Englishman John Hodder Modderidge and titled Journal of a Tour to the Lakes in England and Scotland in the summer of 1794, this manuscript journal details the author's personal experiences while journeying through England and Scotland. The journal itself is organized by date and features a variety of illustrations both in colour and monochrome. Although handwritten, Modderidge’s journal comprises of numbered pages and features an index near the front to guide readers to specific illustrations. 

Born into a wealthy family, Modderidge's profound interest in natural history and geology shaped his travels. Beginning his tour in July of 1794, Modderidge spent a month travelling and recording the observations he made along the way. Of utmost importance to his tour were the cities, ruins, and natural features of the English and Scottish landscapes. Landmarks like Edinburgh’s Craigmillar Castle and bodies of water like the River Leven were documented and described within Modderidge’s journal. At each location, Modderidge documented the features and characteristics of the landmarks he visited, primarily concerned with their topographical and architectural features. Modderidge also included commentary on the local industries he encountered, describing the effect they had within the cities he visited and on the lives of their inhabitants. 

Often, Modderidge combined his initial observations with details regarding the surrounding landscape, increasing the scope of his description. As well, many of Modderidge’s observations included personal reactions to landmarks he visited. After ascending to the top of Loch Lomond, the largest lake in Britain, he expressed his delight in witnessing the ‘sublime’ view. The illustrations featured in the journal complement Modderidge’s observations and offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the Scottish landscape. 

Altogether, Modderidge’s tour underscores the significance of the Scottish landscape to early tourism in the nation. Lakes, lochs, castles, and ruins were important destinations for both Modderidge and many other early travellers to Scotland. Scotland’s physical landscape was romanticized by these travellers and writers, who influenced contemporary beliefs surrounding Scottish society. John Modderidge and his journal are an example of the way Scottish landscapes and history were misrepresented in tourist literature.

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