The 1797 Naval Mutinies and Popular Protest in Britain - (Global Studies in Social and Cultural Maritime History) by Callum Easton (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

This book offers a holistic re-evaluation of the Spithead and Nore mutinies of 1797, which immobilised the two Royal Navy fleets responsible for Britain's defence at a time when invasion seemed likely. The mutinies represent two of the most serious manifestations of collective resistance in eighteenth-century Britain, yet they have received relatively little attention in recent historiography. This book challenges the predominant view that the mutinies represented attempts at revolutionary uprising, arguing that the mutineers were instead focused on the mutineers' understanding of 'fairness' and focused on securing appropriate wages. In doing so, it presents an opportunity to scrutinise foundational elements of British society, from notions of reciprocal rights and responsibilities, to relations between the state and individuals.

From the Back Cover

"This is a truly original and convincing interpretation, which not only explains the naval mutinies of 1797 much better than any previous attempt, but throws out new and persuasive ideas in every direction. It's a real firework, which I expect will inspire all sorts of new initiatives in different periods and contexts."

--N.A.M. Rodger, Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College, University of Oxford, UK

"It is one of the great failings of British naval history--indeed, British history--that the great mutinies have escaped academic scrutiny. No longer! Finally, we have the study we've been waiting for. Easton provides a reasoned, detailed account, informed by the latest scholarship. Unlike so many who have gone before him, he refuses to be distracted by conspiracy theories. He evokes the hopes and fears of the mutineers through a close reading of the available sources, while simultaneously situating the mutinies in their time and place. This book is a truly remarkable debut from a scholar of great promise."

--Evan Wilson, Associate Professor, John B. Hattendorf Center for Maritime Historical Research, U.S. Naval War College, Annapolis, Maryland, US

This book offers a holistic re-evaluation of the Spithead and Nore mutinies of 1797, which immobilised the two Royal Navy fleets responsible for Britain's defence at a time when invasion seemed likely. The mutinies represent two of the most serious manifestations of collective resistance in eighteenth-century Britain, yet they have received relatively little attention in recent historiography. This book challenges the predominant view that the mutinies represented attempts at revolutionary uprising, arguing that the mutineers were instead focused on the mutineers' understanding of 'fairness' and focused on securing appropriate wages. In doing so, it presents an opportunity to scrutinise foundational elements of British society, from notions of reciprocal rights and responsibilities, to relations between the state and individuals.

Callum Easton is a social, economic, and maritime historian of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain and the British maritime world, based in the United Kingdom. In 2025 he was awarded the Sir Julian Corbett Prize in Modern Naval History.

About the Author

Callum Easton is a social, economic, and maritime historian of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Britain and the British maritime world, based in the United Kingdom. In 2025 he was awarded the Sir Julian Corbett Prize in Modern Naval History.