A Hucknall History

Transport Back to the Future

Humankind had populated Britain before the last ice age. DNA proved a second genetically distinct group of Neanderthal hunter gatherers lived until about 40,000 years ago. Evidence of re-population 15,500 years ago had varied northerly migration routes, all commonly coming from African origins. They'd naturally be on foot, before melting ice raised sea levels cutting mainland path off.

Worldly civilisations evolved diversely inventive methods seeking further, faster and easier carriage. Using beasts of burden widely included slaved men, although harnessing natures superior speed, strength or stamina found among various domesticated animals best achieved passage over much of earths most hazardous terrains, long before generally favouring selective horse breeds.

Influential Shipping

Raft and canoes began paddling these British Isle rivers and coastlines, while nations elsewhere built superior sized boats carrying far heavier cargo, including soldiers. Their large galley ships rowed and sailed high seas, navigating intrepid sea journeys widening trade between foreign civilisations. Relaying virtues found on this island removed from north Europe enticed invading immigrants.

Celts were first known mass migrants crossing sea to populate what they called these Pretanic Islands. Reference jointly referred to Ireland, before evolving into given name for Britain. Expanding their superior European Iron Age culture into both those islands around 500BC, introduced existing Bronze Age inhabitants into the next era of stronger and more durable metal tools. The mighty Roman Empire next won military dominance wielding steel weapons. Their time in Britain introduced some civility between barbaric tribes Self interest took advantage of profitably extracting more valuable metals. Shipping out Derbyshire lead from this midlands region raises main point of interest towards important transportation links, by utilising the third longest river Trent sea connection.

Germanic longboats next oared over Anglo-Saxon invaders seeking out good farmstead lands. Angles won desired plots spreading upriver off prime major river banks, to eagerly plough independent family settlements inland. They offered name for England and most nearby localities. Sighting intimidating Norsemen longboats plundering coasts may have recognised superiority of the sailed Viking craft. Warship designs are later credited rowing furthest up the Trent into Nottingham. Its since been realised how ferocious warrior's also desired farms. Harmonious agreement accepted an east Danelaw, adding their names between existing villages.

More Vikings favourably chose to sail easterly through European rivers, wreaking havoc along way into Russia. One leader named Rollo settled his followers in Northern France. Fact they adopted Christianity and the French language all becomes relevant when realising they founded the Norman identity. Name simply describes how known North men had occupied their Normandy area. Year 1066 infamously recorded a large fleet of longships led by William the Duke of Normandy. Aboard his newest, biggest and fastest flagship Mora, he sailed across the dividing sea channel, and by conquering Harold claimed his crown to rule an English Kingdom.

This relatively small island still relies on surrounding seas providing the major highways exporting and importing global trade. Lack of defences next left William I fending off further attempts to land invading forces. Marching troops swiftly along Roman roads to the Humber soon faced a 1069-70 Danish invasion. Buying off those Dane ships reduced a potential joint Anglo revolt, ruthlessly won by Harrying of the North. Building Norman castles aside waterways became more focal amongst prolific Medieval conflicts.

National Navy Royal

Later use of firearms enabled larger cannons to vastly extend range from coastal defences. Mounted on 14th century ship decks had fought off boarding pirates before powerfully sinking vessels gave a naval barrier. Because England challenged the French throne the ensuing Hundred Years War provoked greater Tudor naval developments. Henry VIII significantly increased inherited fleet numbers, plus artillery strength with successful warship designs firing heavier broadside volleys through lower deck gunports. His 1511 flagship Mary Rose served several wars to merit a major 1536 refit. It inexplicably sank leading next 1545 call for action.

Sir Walter Raleigh was one to win Queens favour, exploring and expanding colonisation of an Elizabethan British Empire. Similarly so, but with name readily suggesting idiom like a duck to water, Sir Francis Drake became one of England's maritime heroes. This titled privateer kept Elizabeth's favour, also proudly covering role of pirate under royal license to rob from Spanish seas. Winning mutually beneficial rewards financed their intrepid global explorations. Drake led an expeditionary fleet in Golden Hind, eventually managing to circumnavigate the world, while even looting vaster riches along way. Spain was not amused by Drake's knighthood. Launching a 1588 Spanish Armada ultimately intent on invading England ended up recognising that vice-admiral as a living legend.

Pilgrims choosing to first colonise America noted a stormy 1620 voyage aboard The Mayflower. Hazardous journeys plus difficulties adjusting to life abroad also had to be similarly overcome by reluctant convicted prisoners. Shipping those problematic numbers out to foreign lands furthermore added Australian colonies, initially established by serving afforded purpose of open air prisons. From building and administration of Henry VIII's enlarged fleet came his titled Navy Royal adding a sense of nationalism. Costlier pursuit by Charles I might be partly blamed invoking a Civil War, although when Charles II reclaimed 1660 UK crown, Britain boasted the biggest fleet known. That first line of defence beyond the British Isles established presence of a very highly trained Royal Navy.

UK Royal Navy

Napoleon Bonaparte won renown as a brilliant military general leading France with intent to assert heading a European empire. At sea however, superiority of the British Royal Navy frustrated allied shipping. Spanish galleons thus readily reinforced a French fleet when Napoleon prepared to invade England. The ensuing 1805 Battle of Trafalgar took some loss of Royal Navy sailors lives, including a mortally wounded Lord Horatio Nelson. But while lay dying aboard his flagship HMS Victory, Nelson could rest assured he'd already devastated a larger joint fleet. Winning that biggest sea battle last assured longer British supremacy ruling the waves.

Shipping Inland

Getting carried away with this introduction towards local public transport was simply aimed at emphasising historical significance of seafaring from these relatively small Isles. Queen Victoria ultimately oversaw the worlds biggest ever empire. The Merchant Navy also had a big supporting role, but without going too overboard, the relevance of waters carrying heaviest loads does head inland.