The history of England would be impossible without the sea. This podcast is an occasional series – a chance for me to cover the some of the outrageous stories of derring-do, or the fascinating social history of the people who went to sea. It’s an overflow or safety valve, sitting alongside the history of England. Every so often I’ll have the chance to flush the chain and let the water pour forth. Also, there are Shanties.

Britain and the Sea is for Members – go to the Become a Member page if you would like to join us on the side of light, truth and justice (and for a very reasonable fee I might say).

Sea 4 Pirates and Privateers - Members Only

The seamen of Devon and Cornwall will be one of England's secret weapons. But in Scotland came a development which would change the face of England's navy.

Sea 3 Catching a Crabbe - Members Only

Private enterprise, piracy and sate collusion – seafaring in the in 13th and 14th centuries

Sea 2 Eustace the Monk and the Angevins - Members Only

Britain, the sea and folktales through the story of Eustace the Monk

Sea 1 Origins - Members Only

The early centuries of British Navies - and a sea shanty to keep you going