From Sail to Steam

Studies in the Nineteenth-Century History of the Channel Islands 

Waterloo saw the end of Bonaparte and of the blockade of trade with Europe. None saw more benefit than the Channel Islanders and for the next half century they developed a lucrative, world-wide carrying trade which built fortunes in St Helier and St Peter Port for ship-builders, ship-owners and mariners. In 1865 these trades declined. 

In this significant contribution to the history of the islands, the author relies on many sources not previously analysed in depth to compare the impact of the expansion and later decline of maritime-related activities on the economics and populations of the two islands. 

Though scholary and detailed, the author, Dr Caroline Williams's narative is very readable and will appeal to all with an interest in Channel Island History - especially those with sailors, ship builders or quarry workers among their ancestors - as well as to a wider audience among maritime, economic and social historians.