A wide-ranging history of the geography and communities of Kent from the earliest times to the present day. Kent, with its long coastline and its important geopolitical position close to London and continental Europe, and on major trading routes between Britain and the wider world, has had a very significant maritime history. This book covers a wide range of topics relating to that history from the earliest times to the present day. It sets Kent's varied coastline and waters in their geological and geographical context, showing how erosion and sediment deposition have contributed to the changing nature of maritime activities and populations. It examines Kent's strategic role in the defence of the country with the development and redevelopment of coastal defences, including four naval dockyards. It goes on to consider the supporting industries which grew up around the coastline, those which supplied raw materials and agricultural products from the county's hinterland, and its wider national and international trading links. It also discusses the diverse coastal communities of Kent and how they have changed in response to the demands of defence, trade, and changing population and migration patterns. In addition, the book includes detailed case studies which explore particular subject areas as exemplars of the major themes covered by the book.

About the Author
Stuart Bligh was formerly Head of Research at the National Maritime Museum and County Archivist for Kent. Sheila Sweetinburgh is a Principal Research Fellow in the Centre for Kent History and Heritage at Canterbury Christ Church University and editor of Early Medieval Kent, 800-1220 (Boydell, 2016) and Later Medieval Kent, 1220-1540 (Boydell, 2018). Stuart Bligh was formerly Head of Research at the National Maritime Museum and County Archivist for Kent. Andrew Lambert is Professor of War Studies at King's College, London and one of Britain's foremost maritime and naval historians. Sheila Sweetinburgh is a Principal Research Fellow in the Centre for Kent History and Heritage at Canterbury Christ Church University and editor of Early Medieval Kent, 800-1220 (Boydell, 2016) and Later Medieval Kent, 1220-1540 (Boydell, 2018). Elizabeth Edwards is an Honorary Senior Research Fellow at the University of Kent and was from 1994-2007 Director of the Kentish Regional and Local History degree programme.

Reviews
Maritime Kent is an academic work, [..] but many will find it contains interesting material. The success of some places and the misfortunes of others, past and current, provoke sober consideration. -- LOCAL HISTORIAN
The book succeeds in drawing out the place of the sea in every facet of the county's development. * THE NORTHERN MARINER/LE MARIN DU NORD *



Book Information
ISBN 9781783276257
Author Stuart Bligh
Format Hardback
Page Count 588
Imprint The Boydell Press
Publisher Boydell & Brewer Ltd
Weight(grams) 1g