WALLS ALONG THE STEEP.*
FORTGNATELY we have learnt the lesson inculcated over two thousand years ago by an eminent Greek statesman, that the true defence of a coastline should be found in a Navy. Mr. Clinch's account of English Coast Defenses is Therefore of purely historic interest ; indeed, he only brings his story, which begins with Roman times, down to the early years of the nineteenth century. He starts with the prehistoric earthworks, often of great extent and strength, which are still to be seen in many parts of our coastline, such as Chanetonbuiy and Cisbury Rings, which were probably tribal enclosures for the safeguarding of cattle, women, and other helpless objects from piratical raids. He goes on to describe the great Roman coast fortresses, like Richborough, Brancaster, and Pevensey, which sprang up under the guiding eye of the Count of the Saxon Shore. With a brief glance at Danish. and Norman incursions and settlements, he turns next to the mediaeval castles and walled towns on the English coast, such as those of Berwick, Scarborough (this will gratify German publicists as justifying the " baby-killers "), Dover, Winchelsea, Portsmouth, &c. His book ends with an account of the curious Martello towers built in the days when Napoleon threatened invasion, and a chapter on harbour defences.
Previous page
