Command of the Oceans' is the name of the new interactive galleries at Chatham. It reveals the full dockyard story, thrilling archaeology and long-hidden objects for the first time. It tells powerful, compelling stories of innovation and craftsmanship. It shows how Chatham Dockyard and its people helped lead Britain to worldwide influence. It features two internationally significant maritime archaeological discoveries – the timbers of the Namur (1756), intriguingly laid to rest beneath the floor of the old Wheelwrights’ workshop, and an incredible treasure trove of archaeological objects recovered from the seabed, from the Invincible (1758).
Padraic Scanlan joined me on the podcast to talk about how Britain rose to global power on the backs of enslaved workers. Modern Britain has inherited the legacies and contradictions of a liberal empire built on slavery. Modern capitalism and liberalism emphasise 'freedom' - for individuals and f...
John Darwin joined me on the podcast to discuss how steam power reshaped our cities and our seas, and forged a new world order.
Orlando Figes talks to Dan about social and technological developments and their relationship to cultural changes in the 19th century.
