Philip Mansel

Gunboat diplomacy

Philip Mansel on the brief period in British history when Mare Nostrum became our sea

issue 28 January 2012

Britain’s links with the Continent were once  deeper and more extensive than those of any other European country. Paris, Rome and German universities played as vital a role in British culture as many native cities. Mediterranean connections were especially strong. Most cities on its shores contain an English church and cemetery.

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