In August 1347 six bare footed men knelt before King Edward III with nooses around their necks to beg for their lives and present him with the keys to Calais. This was the dramatic beginning of Calais becoming England’s first colony and an integral part of the kingdom for over two hundred years. From its capture to the present day, Calais has played a significant part in many of the major events in UK’s history whether it be in claiming the throne of France, the Field of the Cloth of Gold, the Armada, Dunkirk, D-Day deception or the Calais Jungle and Brexit.

Calais, a History of England’s First Colony, describes how the destinies of England and Calais have been entwined particularly for invasions of France, then after its loss, for invasions of England. Julian Whitehead guides the reader through potentially complicated periods such as the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses in his customary clear and engaging fashion. This readable book provides a fascinating overview of Anglo/French relations during the last six hundred years while bringing to life the individuals who helped to create this remarkable history.