Review: Kent & Europe, 1450-1640
This publication offers a remarkable journey through Kent’s rich tapestry of economy, society, and politics, intricately woven with its surroundings over two transformative centuries.
Surrounded by water on three sides and poised between the European continent and London, Kent’s geography has profoundly shaped the lives of its inhabitants. This book delves into their history, underscoring Kent’s enduring connection with Europe.
Each chapter, grounded in a diverse array of local and national sources, illuminates the significance of maritime affairs, reflecting the sea’s historical and ongoing importance to the region. It presents a picture of Kent at the end of the Middle Ages and explores the dynamic early modern maritime trade, highlighting native and foreign merchants, the vibrant commodities exchanged, and the impacts of migration.
In-depth studies explore Kent’s military landscape, revealing a focus on coastal fortifications and maritime predatory activities in adjacent waters. Ultimately, this groundbreaking research connects Kent’s economy, society, and politics with its environment across a significant period.
Introduction - Robert Blackmore
Late Medieval Kent, c.1450-c.1550 - Sheila Sweetinburgh
Maritime Trade and Kent’s Ports, c.1540-c.1640 - Robert Blackmore
The Merchant Fleet and Maritime Community of Kent, 1580-1630 - Craig Lambert
The Defence of Kent, c.1540-c.1640 - Gary Paul Baker
Maritime Predation in the Narrow Seas, c.1540-c.1640 - Robert Blackmore
Conclusion - Robert Blackmore
Craig Lambert is Professor of Maritime History at the University of Southampton, author of Shipping the Medieval Military (Boydell, 2011), co-editor of Military Communities in Late Medieval England (Boydell, 2018), and co-editor of The Routledge Companion to Marine and Maritime Worlds, 1400- 1800 (Routledge, 2020).
[fg]jpg||Image[/fg]
Robert Blackmore is a Visiting Fellow at the University of Southampton. He is the author of Government and Merchant Finance in Anglo-Gascon Trade (Palgrave, 2020).
The book pre-order sale goes online in July 2025.