The Sovereignty of the Sea An Historical Account of the Claims of England to the Dominion of the British Seas, and of the Evolution of the Territorial Waters

This work offers a detailed survey of how England, and later Britain, asserted control over the surrounding seas from the early modern era through the early twentieth century. Drawing on legal documents, diplomatic correspondence, and contemporary accounts, the author traces the origins of the so‑called ‘British Seas’ doctrine, its links to fishing rights, naval salutes, and commercial rivalry—especially with the Dutch. The narrative shows how these early claims, rooted in the Stuart period, gradually faded as international law evolved.

The second part turns to the modern concept of territorial waters, explaining the legal principles that govern a nation's jurisdiction over the water adjacent to its coast. It examines landmark disputes and treaties concerning fisheries in North America, the North Atlantic, and other contested regions, illustrating how arbitration and goodwill have helped resolve long‑standing tensions. Through clear examples and illustrative maps, the book makes the complex history of maritime sovereignty accessible to anyone interested in the law of the sea and its ongoing relevance.