Napoleonic Era

The Maps of Waterloo

During the campaign of 1815, writes Michael Glover, Wellington was handicapped by a shortage of military maps.

The Bombardment of Algiers, 1816

Derek Severn describes how the assault secured the release of many slaves and much ransom money but Barbary pirates remained a menace until the French annexation.

Nelson’s Hardy

Derek Severn describes how, after service at Trafalgar, Thomas Hardy spent many years with the Navy’s two American Stations and in 1830 was appointed First Sea Lord.

Blanco White: an Anglicised Spaniard

Priest, poet and journalist, Blanco White escaped from Spain in 1810. Martin Murphy describest his last thirty years, spent in London, Oxford, Dublin and Liverpool.

Above and Under Hatches

James Anthony Gardner’s recollections of his service with the Royal Navy from 1782 to 1814, writes Christopher Lloyd, give a stimulating picture of life below decks.

The Defence of Acre, 1799

Christopher Lloyd describes how, trying to fight his way from Egypt to Constantinople, Bonaparte was checked by Sidney Smith’s defence.

The Courtesies of War

During the Peninsular War, writes Michael Glover, British and French often treated one another with humanity and courtesy.