A Brief History of the Coast in 100 Objects

By: Sally Coulthard

An immersive history of our coasts and the people who have shaped them

The coast means something different to everyone.

It’s a place of pleasure and reckless pursuits, of fishing, fearless endeavours and a crashing, rugged beauty. The coast is, and always has been, our first line of defence and our springboard to other cultures.

Through the lens of 100 carefully selected objects, this treasure chest of a book delves into the myriad ways our coastlines have shaped, and been shaped by, our history, culture, and identity. From Roman lighthouses to rosary beads, knitted jumpers to Viking slave shackles, each object serves as a portal to a unique story.

Sally Coulthard’s engaging narrative goes far beyond the traditional seaside holiday to illuminate the coast’s role as a first line of defence, a site of trade, and a catalyst for cultural exchange. Readers will discover how the coast has influenced our beliefs, economy, and even our domestic lives. And, looking out to sea, this book will show how Britain’s story is anchored to those of our European neighbours and of faraway lands.

From one of Britain’s finest historians of material culture, this book vividly captures the enduring magic and significance of our shores. Whether it’s smugglers’ underpants or sailor’s hoaxes, whale vomit or pickled puffin – it all washes up on the British coast…

©2026 Sally Coulthard

Critic reviews

'A genuine delight, this richly woven tale of our maritime nation is as crafted as the objects it highlights. I’ve loved every page, and learnt and laughed along the way. I wish I’d written it!' Jules Hudson

‘A compelling and brilliant compendium of the rich and strange and wonderful things cast up by the sea.' Philip Hoare

'A true celebration of the flotsam and jetsam left by time and tide on our extraordinary coastline.' Rose Ferraby

Praise for A Brief History of the Countryside in 100 Objects…

'A really lovely, fascinating book.' Charles Spencer, author of The White Ship

‘A charming trayful of historical canapés.’ Adam Nicolson, author of Life Between the Tides

'Unusual and ingenious. Very enjoyable.' Christopher Hadley, author of The Road

'Relaxed and conversational, I couldn't put it down.' Francis Pryor, author of Scenes From Prehistoric Life

'Exquisitely detailed and informative. A heady joy.' John Wright, author of The Forager's Calendar

'A portable museum of a book.' Ruth Allen, author of Grounded

'Terrific. Authoritative but very readable.' Alex Johnson, author of The Book Lover's Almanac