Britain and the sea

Britain has more than 2,500 miles of coast. Some of it is flat, but in many places there are high cliffs.

Because it is an island, enemies have always found it very difficult to conquer Britain. The last person who did this was William the Conqueror. He and his men came over in ships from France in 1066. William won a battle at Hastings on the south coast and became King of England.

Today, of course, it is easier to get to Britain. You can go by ferry or by plane, or through the Channel Tunnel. The sea still plays a big part in the lives of many British people. Fishing and North Sea oil are important industries. And because the coast is never more than seventy miles away it is easy to go to the seaside for a day trip or holiday.

People who live close to the sea know that it often changes. Sometimes it is calm and then it is safe to play in the waves. But there are storms, too, and the wind and the rain can make the sea rough and dangerous. Even in good weather there are always strong tides round the British coast.

Red Line New, Band 3, Klett Verlag, Stuttgart, Seite 74