Napoleon’s Obsession – the Invasion of England

Authors

  • Nick Lipscombe Independent Scholar

Abstract

By the end of the eighteenth century the threat of French invasion was a way of life. Nevertheless, it was Napoleon’s determination to succeed, where others had failed, that brought the terror of the Revolution from the cities and towns of France to the shores of England. The nation’s response greatly affected Britain’s naval strategy, resulted in a complete overhaul of the country’s auxiliary forces and provoked an unprecedented building frenzy of multifarious defences and communication systems along the southern and eastern coasts of England. As it was, the defences were never tested, but the initiatives had made any planned invasion more problematic and ipso facto made Britain a safer place.

Author Biography

Nick Lipscombe, Independent Scholar

Born in Angers, France, Nick Lipscombe has always had a passionate interest in the Napoleonic Wars.   After a 34-year career in the British Army, he now concentrates on writing and running tours to the Napoleonic battlefields.  His first book, An Atlas and Concise Military History of the Peninsular War, was published in 2010 and selected as the Daily Telegraph (History) Book of the Year.  His other works include Waterloo, the Decisive Victory, Wellington’s Guns and Wellington’s Forgotten Front. Contact: nijalipscombe@hotmail.com

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Published

2015-06-16

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Articles