Turkish Letters and More: Lady Mary Wortley Montagu (1689-1762)

Writer, traveller, social critic, and medical innovator, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu was a remarkable woman. We look at her contribution to 18th-century literature, her groundbreaking travel writing, and advocacy for smallpox inoculation.

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  • Start Date: 25 Apr 2026
    End Date: 25 Apr 2026
    Sat (Daytime): 11:00 - 16:00
    In Person
    Location: Keeley Street
    Duration: 1 session
    Course Code: HWH255
    Tutors:  Vanessa King
    Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00
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In stock
SKU
242966
Full fee £49.00 Senior fee £39.00 Concession £32.00

What is the course about?

We will consider Mary's position as a woman writer in the C18th; her travel writings, notably her reflections on Turkish society; her role in introducing smallpox inoculation to Britain; and her feminist perspectives and social criticism.

What will we cover?

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What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

  • Analyse Montagu's position as a female writer in the eighteenth century
  • Evaluate her reflections on Turkish society
  • Assess her role in introducing smallpox inoculation to Britain
  • Examine her feminist perspectives and social criticism

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

No prior knowledge required. However, a good standard of reading, writing and speaking English is essential.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

PowerPoint will be used to illustrate key points and we will be reading and discussing contemporary sources (in translation). You will be encouraged to share your thoughts and ideas in a relaxed and friendly environment. 

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

There are no other expenses other than note-taking materials. You are not expected to purchase any reading material. All essential reading will be supplied.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Please see the Global and Imperial history section of the website. 

Vanessa King
We’re sorry. We don’t have a bio ready for the tutor of this class at the moment, but we’re working on it! Watch this space.

Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.