A History of Welsh Piracy: Seaborne Marauding from the Romans to the Present

Spanning almost 2,000 years from the Romans to the Welsh officers and sailors engaged in Royal Naval anti-pirate operations during the early 21st century, this course examines the long history of piratical activity carried out along Welsh coastlines or conducted by its seafaring inhabitants.
Throughout the Medieval period there is extensive evidence for maritime raiding in the seas of Wales by Anglo-Saxons, the Irish and Viking marauders; both English and Welsh sailors would also often resort to piracy during the Anglo-Welsh wars. Far beyond local waters, Welsh-born pirates and buccaneers achieved infamy in the Caribbean of the Early Modern era. Over the course of ten weeks, learners will also examine the geographical, political, military and economic conditions that allowed seaborne marauding to flourish along the coastlines of Wales and which, at certain points in history, would make piracy an attractive and potentially lucrative (albeit extremely hazardous) occupation. There will also be analysis of the vessels, weapons and tactics employed by the various sea rovers operating in Welsh waters, or those utilized by pirates who originated in the country.

Note

This module is at CQFW Level 4