The British Isles, it is often believed, have not been invaded for nearly 1000 years. A sequel to "Defending the Island", this book reveals that foreign soldiers have landed on British soil on many occasions. Until well within living memory, barely a decade passed without fears of an attack on the homeland. In the 17th century the threats came from the Dutch and later from the French; in the 18th century, from the French, the Americans and the Spanish. In Edwardian times, a new potential enemy replaced France, and Longmate covers the threats from the Germans throughout the first half of the 20th century, showing how the British have managed to retain their freedom.