Chapter I: Preface

The intricate coast-line of England, so difficult for an enemy to blockade, so difficult at every point for combined naval and military forces to defend against raiders, presents to the student of history an extremely interesting subject. It is to its insularity that England owes something of its greatness, and to the great length of its coast-line that its vulnerability is due.

The present book represents the results of a study of the methods and means by which England, from Roman times down to the early years of the nineteenth century, has defended her shores against various over-sea enemies, who have attempted, sometimes successfully, to invade and conquer.

The author wishes to return thanks for the loan of blocks used in illustration of this volume, particularly to the Society of Antiquaries for Figs. 3, 10, 11, 29, 31, 32; the Royal Archaeological Institute for Figs. 1, 4, 7, 13, 18; the Kent Archaeological Society for Figs. 37, 38, 39, 40, 42, 43; the proprietors of the "Victoria History" and Professor Haverfield for Fig. 15; and the Technical Journals, Limited, and Mr. A. W. Clapham, F.S.A., for Fig. 24.

The corrected proof-sheets of the book have been submitted to the proper authorities at the War Office, and that Department has sanctioned the publication of the volume.

CONTENTS

PAGE
PREFACE vii

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS xi

PART I

PREHISTORIC CAMPS 3

THE ROMAN INVASION OF BRITAIN 5

THE COUNT OF THE SAXON SHORE 13

ROMAN COAST FORTRESSES 16

PART II

THE SAXON SETTLEMENT OF ENGLAND 75

DANISH INCURSIONS AND CAMPS 80

THE NORMAN INVASION OF ENGLAND 86

NORMAN COAST CASTLES 87

PART III

MEDIAEVAL CASTLES AND WALLED TOWNS ON THE COAST 95

PART IV

COAST DEFENCES UNDER HENRY VIII AND LATER

ON THE EAST COASTS OF KENT AND SUSSEX 159

OF THE ESTUARIES OF THE THAMES, THE MEDWAY, ETC. 179

OF THE SOUTH COAST 182