This manuscript "Diary of a Month's Tour in Belgium Sep: 1840" may have been written by Henry Green, whose engraved armorial bookplate present at the front of the volume appears to be 19th-century, as does the binding. The anonymous writer, who mentions his home being within an hour's travel from London Bridge, recounts a 28-day journey (29 August - 25 September, 1840) made from London to Belgium and back with his companion, Robert S. Hays. The writer is recovering from a long illness, has associated breathing problems and finds the journey physically taxing. The diary mentions accommodations, meals, modes of travel and local customs but concentrates on visits to art museums, churches and other important buildings and attendance at musical and theatrical performances that filled their days and evenings. It is illustrated with 5 maps and 8 pictures, some being prints from various sources and others drawn by hand with considerable skill. An index and a list of travel expenses follow the text. The neatly written manuscript appears to be a fair copy made after the trip by either the author or an amanuensis.
