Episode 12: Colonial Designs, part 2

1666 and All That

In the second of two episodes examining the origins of the English - later British - empire, Paul and Miranda are joined by Gabriel Glickman of the University of Cambridge. Gabriel's new book, 'Making the Imperial Nation: Colonisation, Politics and English Identity, 1660-1700' (Yale University Press), explores how 17th-century England lacked an effective colonial apparatus, falling behind Spain and the Netherlands in the race for overseas possessions.

Failures such as Cromwell's Western Design in the Caribbean, and the later loss of Tangier, defined the period, and while aspirations remained high, the Crown's capacity to realise its ambitions was fragile. Gabriel reveals how these setbacks, along with an increasing reliance on slavery, left many in England disillusioned.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Miranda Malins and Paul Lay. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

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