Miscellaneous documents
Reference: D/X 2217 Catalogue Title: Miscellaneous documents Area: Catalogue Category: Other Records Description: Edward Backhouse, voyage of the Schooner Nereid
Covering Dates: 1870
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- Miscellaneous documents
Catalogue Description
Edward Backhouse (1808-1879), a prominent member of the well-known Quaker family, was born in Darlington but moved to Sunderland with his family in 1816. He was a partner in the family banking business, Backhouse & Co (one of the founding companies of Barclays Bank), but mainly engaged in philanthropic activities, supporting Sunderland Infirmary and founding the Sunderland Echo in 1873.This journal forms part of a series of diaries kept by Edward on cruises with his family on board the Schooner Nereid, from Sunderland around Scotland and Scandinavia: see D/Wa 1/4/6-7. Another of his journals, of a voyage to Norway, is held by the National Library of Norway.
A well-published artist and author, Edward Backhouse's journals are illustrated with photographs, watercolours and humorous sketches which give readers a deeper insight into his nineteenth-century voyages.
Due to its significance and relationship to our collections, this volume was purchased in 2020 thanks to generous financial assistance from the Friends of the National Libraries and the Friends of Durham County Record Office.
Catalogue Contents
Edward Backhouse Journal (Ref: D/X 2217/1)Ref: D/X 2217/1
Journal, kept by Edward Backhouse of Sunderland, of two voyages from Sunderland to Scotland with his family on the Schooner Nereid, 1870
The cover of the journal is inscribed 'E. Backhouse, Ashburn'
Those taking part in the voyage with Edward were:
July 1870
Mary Agnes Backhouse
Edward Backhouse Mounsey
John Wilfred Mounsey
Anna Priscilla Mounsey
Mary Emma Mounsey
Arthur Backhouse
August 1870
Alfred and Rachel Backhouse
Lucy Elizabeth Mounsey
Mary Emma Mounsey
Thomas William Backhouse
James Edward Backhouse
Edward's diary begins on 28 June 1870 and consists of his handwritten account, interspersed with lively watercolours, drawings and small professionally produced albumen photographs. He describes the Nereid being towed out of Sunderland's 'Extension Dock' and up the Northumbrian coast through the Farne Islands, visiting Edinburgh, Perth, Inverness, Fort Augustus, Invergassy Castle, Fort William, Glencoe, Achantreachtan, Skye, Eigg, Raasay including Duart Castle, Arrochar, Loch Lomond. Superb drawings and photographs exist for many of these locations.
(1 volume)