Description
Book SynopsisThe Isles of Scilly are renowned for their natural beauty, wild flowers and temperate climate, but there is another reason to visit these paradise islands. Since the 16th century they have been in the frontline of this country’s military defences and successive generations of fortifications have survived in Scilly, unmatched in any other location around Britain.
This unrivalled survival was due to the lack of pressure to develop the islands and happily because the feared enemy rarely attacked. However, there is another threat to this precious heritage, the power of the sea. William Borlase in the mid-18th century recorded how much of the islands’ history had succumbed to rising sea level, and today increasingly turbulent weather patterns may be accelerating the process of coastal erosion.
This book celebrates the unique survival of military fortifications on the islands, but it also serves to illustrate the value and vulnerability of the whole country’s coastal heritage. Like King Canute, we cannot turn back the sea, but we can celebrate these precious survivals from the colourful history of our island nation.
Trade Review'The text is lucid, the photographs stunning, and the maps clear and informative . . . The book is exceptional value for money.'
The Archaeological JournalTable of ContentsAcknowledgements
Foreword
Glossary
1. Introduction
2. Scilly's military heritage
The defences of Edward VI and Mary I 1547-58
The defences of Scilly 1558-1640
The Wars of the Three Kingdoms
Christian Lilly's survey
The Garrison between 1715 and 1740
Extending the Garrison Walls in the 1740s
A walk around the Garrison Walls - Excursus
Napoleonic War
The defences in the 19th century
Defended ports
Scilly in the First World War
Scilly in the Second World War
3. Scilly and the sea
Scilly's heritage and climate change
Conclusion
Notes References and further reading
Gazeteer of principal sites of interest
Map 1 - Isles of Scilly
Map 2 - St Mary's
Map 3 - The Garrison on St Mary's
