The North Sea: A Seaside Pilgrimage

Alistair Moffat The North Sea has shaped Britain's history for thousands of years. It has carried invaders and explorers, traders and pilgrims, fishermen and refugees. It has inspired legends, fuelled industries and transformed the communities that cling to its restless shores. In his characteristically lyrical style, bestselling historian Alistair Moffat traces this remarkable story through The North Sea: Along the Edge of Britain. After spending a year travelling the entire east coast—from the white cliffs of Kent to the windswept islands of Fair Isle and Orkney—Moffat uncovers the people, places and moments that reveal our enduring relationship with this ever-changing sea. Along the way he encounters forgotten monasteries, bustling ports and fading seaside resorts, weaving together history, landscape and personal journey. From Roman landings and Viking longships to the rise of offshore wind farms and the North Sea oil boom, he reveals how this stretch of water has continually shaped Britain's identity. Beautifully observed, richly researched and full of unforgettable stories, this is a captivating voyage around the coastline that made us.