• Sorry, this product cannot be purchased.
barclay-morris-cover-for-web-9781908332141
fig_09-21-jpgfig_10-10-jpgfig_11-03-jpg

The Fortification of the Firth of Forth 1880–1977

'The most powerful naval fortress in the British Empire'

SKU: 9781908332141 Category:

Product Description

by Gordon J Barclay & Ron Morris

This title is available as an open access e-book.

The Fortification of the Firth of Forth describes the story of the great Forth Fortress from 1880 to 1977, when the final traditional defensive capabilities were abandoned. The authors combine archival sources with new fieldwork and oral histories to not only describe what was built, but when and why.

This meticulously researched, richly illustrated volume relates the defences in the Forth to the wider political and military context and also describes the human side of the defences: the men and women who manned the fortress. This is a fascinating resource for those interested in Scottish military and naval history, and conflict and battlefield archaeology.

Gordon J Barclay is former Principal Inspector and Head of Policy at Historic Scotland. His previous publications include If Hitler Comes: Preparing for Invasion: Scotland 1940 (2013).

Ron Morris has been involved in the exploration and conservation of the Forth’s defence and natural heritage for many years. His previous publications include Defending St Kilda (2013). 

Table of Contents

Recommend to your Librarian

 

 

Watch the lecture given by Gordon Barclay and Ron Morris to find out more about the Forth’s defences.

Read the interview with Gordon Barclay and Ron Morris to learn about the book and the research that led to it.

The authors and the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland gratefully acknowledge funding towards the publication of this volume from Historic Environment Scotland, the Strathmartine Trust, Fortress Study Group, and the City of Edinburgh Council. hes-logo-stacked-1

Additional Information

Weight 1.874 kg
Dimensions 238 x 300 mm
Format

Hardback

ISBN

9781908332141

Number Of Pages

272

Illustrations

220

Publication Date

March 2019

Author(s)

Gordon J Barclay and Ron Morris

Subject Fields

naval history; military history; conflict archaeology; battlefield archaeology

Reviews

  1. :

    ‘Whilst much of the military works lining the Forth have gone, the islands still retain rich remains and the book explores these in a scholarly and clear way. […] Drawing on many written sources, [it] is packed full of both modern colour images and abundant, rare and fascinating contemporary illustrations.[…] The whole work is on a rich scale and should be on every bookshelf.’

  2. :

    ‘[The authors] have to be congratulated on putting together a massive amount of research with informative text and numerous plans, charts and photographs. This book is a ‘must have’ for those interested in the recent archaeology, military or local history of this area.’

  3. :

    A seamless study of an area long significant in naval history. […] The authors address a clearly defined but multi-faceted subject with perception, authority, and panache. Anyone with interests connected in any way with the subject will learn much by reading this volume.’

    Full review: https://doi.org/10.1111/1095-9270.12387

  4. :

    While this book covers only a short period of the Forth’s long strategic and military history, it is impressively deep, discussing myriad defences constructed on over 20 island and coastal positions across a 90-year period. In achieving this, the authors present extensive evidence drawn from archival records, fieldwork and oral histories.

    Full review: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2020.58

Add a review

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Help us to do more

Help us: champion research; stimulate discussion; enhance public understanding; and share our extraordinary heritage. Donate directly to the Society now.