The 17th century saw early English attempts to carve out territories in the New World, Africa and beyond, with lasting - and all too often tragic - legacies. In the first of two episodes examining the origins of empire and the politics of colonisation, Paul and Miranda talk to historian Matthew Parker, author of 'Willoughbyland: England's Lost Colony.'

Matthew tells the remarkable story of Francis, Lord Willoughby, who fled England for Barbados after the Civil Wars. Willoughby went on to acquire a stretch of land in what is now Suriname. The territory that bore his name became, in his absence, a functional and surprisingly egalitarian colony. But that would change when the Restoration ushered in greater competition with rival colonial powers - and the introduction of slavery.

Our next episode will stay on the theme of early colonial ventures, when Dr Gabriel Glickman of the University of Cambridge tells us about imperial projects of the later 17th century and their political and cultural impact back in England.

'1666 and All That' is presented by Miranda Malins and Paul Lay. The producer is Hugh Costello. Original music by George Taylor. The episode is mixed by Alfie Thompson.

You can visit our website at https://www.podpage.com/1666-and-all-that/