
Defending Scilly
Historic England (Publisher)
Published on 31. March 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
108 pages
978-1-84802-043-6 (ISBN)
Description
The Isles of Scilly are renowned for their natural beauty, wild flowers and temperate climate, but there is another reason to visit these paradise islands. Since the 16th century they have been in the frontline of this country's military defences and successive generations of fortifications have survived in Scilly, unmatched in any other location around Britain.
This unrivalled survival was due to the lack of pressure to develop the islands and happily because the feared enemy rarely attacked. However, there is another threat to this precious heritage, the power of the sea. William Borlase in the mid-18th century recorded how much of the islands' history had succumbed to rising sea level, and today increasingly turbulent weather patterns may be accelerating the process of coastal erosion.
This book celebrates the unique survival of military fortifications on the islands, but it also serves to illustrate the value and vulnerability of the whole country's coastal heritage. Like King Canute, we cannot turn back the sea, but we can celebrate these precious survivals from the colourful history of our island nation.
This unrivalled survival was due to the lack of pressure to develop the islands and happily because the feared enemy rarely attacked. However, there is another threat to this precious heritage, the power of the sea. William Borlase in the mid-18th century recorded how much of the islands' history had succumbed to rising sea level, and today increasingly turbulent weather patterns may be accelerating the process of coastal erosion.
This book celebrates the unique survival of military fortifications on the islands, but it also serves to illustrate the value and vulnerability of the whole country's coastal heritage. Like King Canute, we cannot turn back the sea, but we can celebrate these precious survivals from the colourful history of our island nation.
Reviews / Votes
'The text is lucid, the photographs stunning, and the maps clear and informative . . . The book is exceptional value for money.'The Archaeological Journal
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Swindon
United Kingdom
Illustrations
120 illustrations; 120 Illustrations
Dimensions
Height: 210 mm
Width: 210 mm
Weight
250 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-84802-043-6 (9781848020436)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Mark Bowden is an archaeologist who has made a special study of hillforts and castles. He is the author of several books and articles on landscape archaeology and history. Allan Brodie is a Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University. He is the author of a number of books about the history of tourism and seaside resorts. He is also the author of books on military history and prisons.
Content
Acknowledgements
Foreword
Glossary
1. Introduction
2. Scilly's military heritage
The defences of Edward VI and Mary I 1547-58
The defences of Scilly 1558-1640
The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Christian Lilly's survey
The Garrison between 1715 and 1740
Extending the Garrison Walls in the 1740s
A walk around the Garrison Walls - Excursus
Napoleonic War
The defences in the 19th century
Defended ports
Scilly in the First World War
Scilly in the Second World War
3. Scilly and the sea
Scilly's heritage and climate change
Conclusion
Notes References and further reading
Gazeteer of principal sites of interest
Map 1 - Isles of Scilly
Map 2 - St Mary's
Map 3 - The Garrison on St Mary's
Foreword
Glossary
1. Introduction
2. Scilly's military heritage
The defences of Edward VI and Mary I 1547-58
The defences of Scilly 1558-1640
The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Christian Lilly's survey
The Garrison between 1715 and 1740
Extending the Garrison Walls in the 1740s
A walk around the Garrison Walls - Excursus
Napoleonic War
The defences in the 19th century
Defended ports
Scilly in the First World War
Scilly in the Second World War
3. Scilly and the sea
Scilly's heritage and climate change
Conclusion
Notes References and further reading
Gazeteer of principal sites of interest
Map 1 - Isles of Scilly
Map 2 - St Mary's
Map 3 - The Garrison on St Mary's