Monthly Archives: November 2019

Norfolk Fends off Napoleon

Fears of a French invasion were not new to late-eighteenth century Englishmen. There had been at least three credible invasion threats between 1744 and 1783, and various steps to counter invasion had been taken. How likely Norfolk was as a … Continue reading

Posted in C18th Norfolk, Military | 3 Comments

Uses and Abuses of the Press Gang

The purpose of the Impress Service, as the Press Gang was called officially, was to secure the men needed to keep the Royal Navy’s ships at proper fighting strength. Given the conditions on board, and the chances of dying from … Continue reading

Posted in Keeping the Peace, Military | 2 Comments