Grab your quills and notebooks, time travellers, because we’re heading to London, England, on January 18, 1779, to witness the arrival of Peter Mark Roget, a man who turned his love of words into one of the most enduring contributions to language and learning. You may not know his name offhand, but his work—the Roget’s Thesaurus—has rescued countless essays, poems, and public speeches from the dreaded curse of repetition.
This city break takes you into the bustling streets of 18th-century London, where Enlightenment ideas are flourishing, and you’ll explore the formative influences on a man who became a physician, lexicographer, and Renaissance thinker.
Why Visit London in January 1779?
London in 1779 is a lively hub of commerce, culture, and intellectual thought. The American Revolutionary War is raging across the Atlantic, but back in Britain, the Enlightenment is in full swing. This is a world of debates in coffeehouses, lectures at learned societies, and a growing interest in cataloguing knowledge—an environment that would shape the young Peter Mark Roget.
Born into a family of French Huguenot descent, Roget grew up in a city teeming with ideas, science, and literature, all of which would leave their mark on his life’s work.
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Explore Enlightenment London
Start your journey in Bloomsbury, a district known even in the 18th century for its intellectual vibrancy. Stroll through Russell Square, where scholars and thinkers of the age discuss science, philosophy, and literature. Stop by a local bookseller to browse the works of Samuel Johnson, who published his famous Dictionary just a few decades earlier—an inspiration for future lexicographers like Roget.
Visit the Royal Society on Crane Court, where the great minds of the time gather to share discoveries and ideas. Roget himself would later join this prestigious institution, contributing to the fields of medicine, optics, and even early motion picture theory.
For lunch, enjoy a hearty meal of pigeon pie and a tankard of ale at a nearby tavern. The conversation among the locals may turn to politics, philosophy, or the latest scientific advancements.
Day 2: Walk in the Footsteps of a Future Lexicographer
Head to St. Anne’s Church, Soho, where the young Peter Roget was baptised. Take a moment to reflect on the blend of cultures and religions in London at the time, as Roget’s French Huguenot roots influenced his early education and values.
Next, explore London’s growing fascination with science and classification by visiting a nearby apothecary shop or naturalist’s collection. These early forms of scientific organisation mirror the systematic thinking that Roget would later apply to words and ideas.
Finish your day with a visit to a coffeehouse, the informal meeting places of the Enlightenment. Here, you might overhear discussions about taxonomy, anatomy, or even poetry—all areas that would fascinate the young Roget.
Who Was Peter Mark Roget?
Born in London in 1779, Peter Mark Roget was a polymath in every sense of the word. Trained as a physician, he also pursued interests in mathematics, optics, and physiology. His work included early studies of the persistence of vision, which later influenced the development of motion pictures.
But Roget’s greatest legacy is his Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases, first published in 1852. The book grouped words by ideas and meaning rather than alphabetically, offering a treasure trove for writers and thinkers seeking the perfect term. It remains a staple for wordsmiths worldwide.
Why Roget’s Work Matters
Roget’s Thesaurus was groundbreaking not just for its practical utility but also for its philosophical underpinnings. At its core, the book reflects the Enlightenment’s belief in the organisation and classification of knowledge. By creating a systematic way to explore language, Roget empowered generations of writers, poets, and speakers to express themselves with precision and creativity.
His work also underscores the interconnectedness of ideas—a concept that resonates with both scientific and literary minds.
Travel Tips for 1779 London
- Dress the Part: London in January is cold and damp, so wrap yourself in woollen coats, scarves, and sturdy boots.
- Mind Your Manners: This is an age of decorum—polished shoes and a good turn of phrase will get you far.
- Bring a Notebook: Roget’s world is one of ideas and conversations worth jotting down for future reflection.
What’s on the Menu?
18th-century London offers simple but satisfying fare. Look for:
- Meat Pies: Stuffed with beef, mutton, or game, these hearty dishes are a staple.
- Cheese and Bread: A quick snack that pairs well with a pint of ale.
- Custard Tart: A sweet treat to end the day.
Fun Trivia About Roget
- Did you know? Roget’s fascination with order extended beyond words. He created a slide rule for calculating the roots and powers of numbers.
- Odd but true: Roget was an early investigator of optical illusions, contributing to the theory of persistence of vision, which later inspired the development of cinema.
- Legacy: The first edition of Roget’s Thesaurus contained 15,000 words; today, it boasts more than 250,000 entries.
Want to Know More?
Books
- Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases by Peter Mark Roget (original 1852 edition available in reprint).
- The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget’s Thesaurus by Joshua Kendall.
Articles
- “The Enlightenment and the Organisation of Knowledge” in History Today.
- “Roget’s Thesaurus: A Legacy of Words” by the British Library.
Web Resources
- The Royal Society: www.royalsociety.org
- British Library’s Historical Lexicography Collection: www.bl.uk
The Final Word
January 18, 1779, marks the birth of a man whose love of language and systematic thinking gave us a tool that has stood the test of time. Visiting London during this pivotal moment offers a chance to witness the world of ideas that inspired Peter Mark Roget and to explore the vibrant intellectual culture of the Enlightenment.
Whether you’re debating in a coffeehouse, wandering the streets of Bloomsbury, or jotting down thoughts in your own proto-thesaurus, this city break promises inspiration and discovery in equal measure.
Have you unearthed a treasure trove of words or explored the legacy of a linguistic pioneer? Share your stories—we’ll toast your tales with a steaming mug of Enlightenment-era coffee!
