200 colliers lost at sea, 1692
Daniel Defoe describes a terrible disaster when 200 sailing colliers were lost off the east coast of England in 1692. About the year 1692, (I… Read More »200 colliers lost at sea, 1692
Defoe
Posts relating to extracts from the work of Daniel Defoe
Southwold: herring, sprats and a battle, 1672
Many coastal towns and villages of the east coasts of England and Scotland are steeped in the history of the herring industry. In this extract,… Read More »Southwold: herring, sprats and a battle, 1672
Changing times for Harwich
In this post, we return to the 18th century to find Daniel Defoe’s description of the port of Harwich and its extensive harbour accommodating colliers… Read More »Changing times for Harwich
Naval security, Portsmouth, 1727
This extract combines an evocative view of Portsmouth from the open sea, painted by Dominic Serres in the 18th century and a description of the… Read More »Naval security, Portsmouth, 1727
By boat from Manningtree to Ipswich, 1727
What would travellers from the days of sail make of Harwich Harbour in the 21st century? Writing in 1727, Daniel Defoe takes to his boat… Read More »By boat from Manningtree to Ipswich, 1727
The traders of Yarmouth, 1727
Daniel Defoe describes the fishing fair and other trading activity in Yarmouth, during his travels in Norfolk. He is most complimentary about the townsfolk and… Read More »The traders of Yarmouth, 1727
Perilous storms in Plymouth Sound, 1703
In this extract by Daniel Defoe, he reflects on the town of Plymouth, noting its importance as a safe anchorage and tells the tale of Winstanley’s… Read More »Perilous storms in Plymouth Sound, 1703
Swept to the Isle of Wight from Helford Haven, 1703
The renowned ‘Great storm’ of November 1703 hit the east and west coasts of England, resulting in ships being driven ashore and, in many cases,… Read More »Swept to the Isle of Wight from Helford Haven, 1703
Daniel Defoe prefers to take the road to Gloucester
In this post, we find Daniel Defoe on his travels in the Severn Estuary. He describes the power of the ‘violent’ tides, forcing him and… Read More »Daniel Defoe prefers to take the road to Gloucester