Prisoners of War in Britain 1756 to 1815

This study uncovers a largely hidden episode of British history, when thousands of enemy soldiers were detained on the islands between 1756 and 1815. Drawing on official registers, local archives and personal letters, the author reconstructs daily life aboard crowded prison hulks and in makeshift inland camps. The narrative balances the question of humane treatment with the vivid realities of disease, discipline and scarce comforts. It also shows how these prisoners left subtle marks on the towns they passed through.

The book guides listeners from the notorious Thames hulks to inland depots such as Norman Cross, Sissinghurst Castle and the remote outpost at Dartmoor. It describes the surprising trade and even romances that sometimes developed between captives and local civilians, alongside the harsh routines imposed by military authorities. Episodes of daring escapes and the experiences of officers on parole illustrate the varied fortunes within the system. Through letters, memorials and regional folklore, the work keeps alive the human stories that have otherwise faded from memory.