English Sea Power c871-1100 (None)

Anglo-Saxon rulers understood the concept and strategic importance of sea power and, during the 9th and 10th centuries, it was a powerful offesive weapon against England's enemies. Citing evidence from the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle and other sources, this study examines English sea power under Edgar, Aethelred II, Cnut, Edward the Confessor and Harold. John Pullen-Appleby looks at the range of seafaring activities taking place, at the resources of the Crown and how expertise and crew were financed and assembled, at the institutons and practices of sea power, tactics and the results of offensive campaigns. Finally, he examines the ships themselves, naval technology, the nature of England's ports and coastline and how these figured in the activities of the fleet, finding that provision for using a navy existed in most coastal areas.