ENGLISH COAST DEFENCES

DOVER CASTLE, KENT
From an engraving by S. and N. Buck

ENGLISH COAST DEFENCES

FROM ROMAN TIMES TO THE EARLY
YEARS OF THE NINETEENTH
CENTURY

BY

GEORGE CLINCH

LONDON
G. BELL AND SONS, LTD.
1915

CHISWICK PRESS: CHARLES WHITTINGHAM AND CO.
TOOKS COURT, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON.

TO
THE RIGHT HONOURABLE

ARTHUR JAMES BALFOUR, M.P.

FIRST LORD OF THE ADMIRALTY
THESE PAGES ARE
INSCRIBED

PREFACE

[vii]

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.

[viii]

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.

[ix]

CONTENTS