The 0rder of St John and Cromwell’s Navy, 1649-1660

Abstract

In the 17^th Century, the maritime situation in the Mediterranean was complex; the Order of St John based in Malta was financed by France and Spain who were at war with each other: Venice was at war with Turkey; Barbary corsairs preyed on many vessels; and English and Dutch trade with the Levant was highly profitable. Christians were arrayed against each other and against Islam, with ransom and prize money featuring strongly. To protect English trade, Cromwell’s Commonwealth and Protectorate followed by Restoration England, deployed ships of war to the Mediterranean.

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Filed under: Mediterranean
Subjects include: Merchant Marines