The Channel Islands in Anglo-French Relations, 1689-1918

The Channel Islands have played a crucial role in Britain's maritime superiority in the English Channel, and this book explores a wide range of maritime subjects where their role has been significant. It charts changes over time, including the impact of technological changes, and discusses issues from the perspectives of Britain, France, and the Channel Islands themselves.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Channel Islands have played a pivotal role in Britain's enduring maritime supremacy in the English Channel, a fact that has often been overlooked or underappreciated despite the prolonged conflict between Britain and France from 1689 to 1815. This comprehensive book delves into a diverse array of maritime subjects where the Channel Islands have played a significant role, including intelligence gathering, piracy, privateering, naval strategy, and control of the Channel. It also explores specific topics related to the Channel Islands, such as surveying and hydrography, fortifications, trade, and the societies of the Channel Islands. By examining these issues from the perspectives of Britain, France, and the Channel Islands themselves, the book strives to provide a balanced and comprehensive account of their historical significance.

Andrew Lambert, Professor of War Studies at King's College, London, is a renowned maritime and naval historian, and Colin Partridge, a former consultant to the States of Guernsey's Fortress Guernsey program, contributes his expertise to this work. Jean de Préneuf, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Lille and Head of the Research, Teaching, and Studies Unit at the Historical Branch of the French Ministry of Defence, also lends his valuable insights to the chapters.

The book charts the evolution of maritime affairs in the Channel Islands over time, from the wars of Louis XIV and William III to the numerous Anglo-French conflicts of the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. It also delves into the planning and preparation for wars that were anticipated but ultimately avoided. Throughout the narrative, equal weight is given to the perspectives of Britain, France, and the Channel Islands, ensuring a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of their historical interactions.

The Channel Islands have served as strategic outposts for centuries, providing a vantage point for surveillance, trade, and military operations. Their location at the crossroads of the North Atlantic and the Mediterranean made them a coveted prize for both Britain and France. The islands have witnessed numerous conflicts and alliances, from the Napoleonic Wars to the Cold War, and their strategic importance has never waned.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the understanding of Britain's maritime supremacy in the English Channel and the role played by the Channel Islands in shaping its history. By examining a wide range of maritime subjects and providing a comprehensive account of the Channel Islands' historical significance, it sheds light on the complex and multifaceted relationships between Britain, France, and the Channel Islands. This book will be of interest to scholars, historians, and anyone with an interest in maritime history and the strategic importance of the Channel Islands.

Weight: 1g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781783276554