Poole, in Dorset, and its port date back to Roman times. By the 13th century the town had a charter and was prospering on the trade with Bordeaux, the Aquitaine then belonging to the English Crown. As a result Poole over-took Wareham to become the major port and the main town in the area.

From Tudor times the Newfoundland fishery trade brought increased prosperity, which had its 'golden age' in the 18th century - a period when the area began to be infamous for smuggling.

The author's scholarly research underlies his very readable text, supported by a superb selection of illustrations. A much acclaimed history of this important south-coast town.