In 1618, the influential poet and dramatist set off on a 450-mile, 71-day trek from London to Edinburgh.

Now, researchers from the universities of Edinburgh and Nottingham are taking to Twitter, Facebook and their own blog to post highlights from the journey ¨C which ran from 8 July to 5 October - in ¡°real-time¡±.

Their updates will be based on an account of the journey by an anonymous travelling companion of Jonson, which was discovered by James Loxley, a professor in the University of Edinburgh¡¯s School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, in 2009.

Jonson¡¯s own account of his voyage was destroyed in a fire before it could be circulated, but the anonymous journal, found in the Aldersey collection of family papers in Chester, sheds light on the travellers¡¯ route, how long it took, and who they met along the way.

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Researchers say his account is a treasure trove of detail not only for students of Jonson but also for anyone with an interest in the cultural history of the early Stuart period in Britain.

¡°Jonson¡¯s long walk was a big public event ¨C lots of people accompanied him for short spells along the way, and crowds turned out to greet him at the towns he visited,¡± Professor Loxley said. ¡°We¡¯d be delighted if anyone wanted to join us for the virtual recreation ¨C walking boots will not be necessary.¡±

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If the project¡¯s Twitter feed (@BenJonsonsWalk) is to be believed, the Jacobean writer is deep in preparation for his adventure. ¡°Ben Jonson is on a short break before he sets off on his epic walk next Monday, with a last minute dash to the Bodleian for some extra info,¡± said an update earlier this week.

To follow Jonson¡¯s progress, visit the .

chris.parr@tsleducation.com