Borderland: Identity and Belonging at the Edge of England

Borderland explores the past, present, and future of Kent, focusing on key sites that symbolize the changing relationship between the UK and its continental neighbors. It questions how national identities emerge from contested local landscapes.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Over the past few years, Kent has been in the news more than ever before due to a variety of significant events. These include Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 'migrant crisis.' The images of asylum seekers on Kent beaches, lorries queued on motorways, and the crumbling white cliffs of Dover have all contributed to national anxieties and have been used to support arguments for or against severing ties with the EU.

In this coastal driftwork, Phil Hubbard, an exiled man of Kent, takes a thoughtful look at the past, present, and future of this corner of England. He highlights a number of key sites that symbolize the evolving relationship between the UK and its continental neighbors. From the geopolitics of the Channel Tunnel to the cultivation of oysters at Whitstable, from Derek Jarman's celebrated cottage at Dungeness to the art-driven gentrification of Margate, Borderland bridges geography, history, and archaeology to raise important questions about how national identities emerge from contested local landscapes.

The book explores the complex and multifaceted history of Kent, from its prehistoric origins to the present day. It examines the various cultural, economic, and political factors that have shaped the region and its people over the centuries. Hubbard also delves into the current challenges facing Kent, such as the impact of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing migrant crisis.

Through his insightful analysis, Hubbard offers a fresh perspective on the history and future of Kent. He challenges traditional narratives and offers a more nuanced understanding of the region's past and present. Borderland is a valuable contribution to the study of British history and geography, and it will be of interest to anyone with an interest in the region's past and present.

Weight: 338g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526153876