Seashaken Houses - a maritime history
On 26 October 2022, the writer and historian, Tom Nancollas, gave WI members a Science &
Society Committee's "Insight" Talk on Zoom about Britain's maritime history.
Basing his narrative on how the development of seafaring vessels throughout the ages has influenced Britain's history, Tom guided us from the earliest pre-Viking ships to present day
yachts and liners, to show how "going down to the sea in ships" has shaped our culture as
well as our history. Tom is the author of two critically acclaimed books: "Seashaken Houses",
on the history of offshore lighthouses, and most recently "The Ship Asunder", a
wonderfully conceived book about the maritime history of Britain.
I heartily recommend both Tom's books and you can also catch him on YouTube talking about "Seashaken Houses", published in 2019.
Tom is also a building conservationist and has worked on various projects with English Heritage and other building preservation organisations. He appeared last year in a Channel 5 documentary series: "The Secret Life of the Lighthouse", talking on two episodes about the Fastnet Rock and the Eddystone Reef lighthouses. WI members were fascinated by the talk and there were questions, and some reminiscences, at the end of the session.
We hope to hear from Tom again; he tells me that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would be happy to repeat it. Yes please!
Society Committee's "Insight" Talk on Zoom about Britain's maritime history.
Basing his narrative on how the development of seafaring vessels throughout the ages has influenced Britain's history, Tom guided us from the earliest pre-Viking ships to present day
yachts and liners, to show how "going down to the sea in ships" has shaped our culture as
well as our history. Tom is the author of two critically acclaimed books: "Seashaken Houses",
on the history of offshore lighthouses, and most recently "The Ship Asunder", a
wonderfully conceived book about the maritime history of Britain.
I heartily recommend both Tom's books and you can also catch him on YouTube talking about "Seashaken Houses", published in 2019.
Tom is also a building conservationist and has worked on various projects with English Heritage and other building preservation organisations. He appeared last year in a Channel 5 documentary series: "The Secret Life of the Lighthouse", talking on two episodes about the Fastnet Rock and the Eddystone Reef lighthouses. WI members were fascinated by the talk and there were questions, and some reminiscences, at the end of the session.
We hope to hear from Tom again; he tells me that he thoroughly enjoyed the experience and would be happy to repeat it. Yes please!