James A. (James Alexander) Williamson

James A. Williamson was an English historian and writer on maritime history, born in 1886 and died on December 31, 1964. He was educated at Watford Grammar School and the University of London, where he earned his B.A. in 1906, his M.A. in 1909, and later a Ph.D. with a thesis on the Caribbean under proprietary patents.

In 1910 he became an assistant master in history at Westminster City School, a post he held until 1937. Alongside teaching, he built a strong reputation as a historian of exploration and empire, especially for his work on John Cabot and the early English voyages of discovery.

Williamson wrote a number of books for both general readers and students, including works on Tudor England, British expansion, Drake, Hawkins, and maritime enterprise. His writing is remembered for making early voyages, trade, and exploration feel lively and important without losing sight of the historical record.