By the Early 18th century England’s elite had problems educating their sons as there were only 2 universities, mostly for training clerics lawmakers and physicians. Hence many rich young men went to Europe, often with a trusted tutor to finish off their education and return with French manners and ideas for new manor houses and art to adorn the walls and sculptures from Rome and Florence.

But for wealthy Whigs, there was also a detour though the Netherlands for the art. Many also had an extended stay in Switzerland , usually Geneva to learn how a Protestant state was run and to learn French “untainted by Popery”. These were the future rulers and legislators of Georgian England