Kenneth Andrews (historian)

Kenneth Andrews (born 1920, died 1998) was a British historian specializing in the maritime history of England, particularly during the Tudor and Stuart periods. His research focused on English trade, exploration, and colonization, with a particular emphasis on the period from the late 16th century through the 17th century.

Andrews earned his degrees from the University of Oxford and held academic positions at the University of Liverpool, where he was a professor of history.

His major works include:

• Elizabethan Privateering: English Privateering During the Spanish War, 1585-1603 (1961) - A seminal study on the practice of privateering during Elizabeth I's reign and its impact on Anglo-Spanish relations.

• Trade, Plunder, and Settlement: Maritime Enterprise and the Genesis of the British Empire, 1480-1630 (1984) - A comprehensive overview of English maritime activities and their role in laying the foundations of the British Empire. This book explores the complex interplay of economic motives, acts of piracy, and deliberate colonization efforts.

• Ships, Money, and Politics: Seafaring and Naval Enterprise in the Reign of Charles I (1991) - An examination of naval administration, shipbuilding, and maritime policy during the reign of Charles I, highlighting the challenges and limitations faced by the English navy at the time.

Andrews' work is characterized by meticulous archival research and a nuanced understanding of the economic, political, and social forces shaping English maritime history. He made a significant contribution to our understanding of the rise of England as a major maritime power.