While we’ve covered the land battles of Bannockburn and the political machinations of the Ragman Rolls, Scotland’s relationship with the sea has often been viewed through the lens of invasion or isolation. This episode shifts focus to the sixteenth century, exploring how a relatively small kingdom projected power across the North Atlantic. We examine the reign of James IV, who built one of Europe’s most formidable navies, and the controversial role of the Lord High Admiral, Alexander Stewart. The narrative then moves to the privateering networks that operated under the guise of royal authority, blurring the lines between state policy and piracy. We look at the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with England in 1502, which left Scotland with a massive fleet but no enemy to fight, leading to economic strain and eventual decay. By tracing the fate of ships like the Michael and the Great Mary, we uncover how maritime ambition intersected with dynastic insecurity, ultimately shaping Scotland’s naval legacy long before the Acts of Union.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Fexingo. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Fexingo och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
