The Western Design Revised: Death, Dissent, and Discontent on the <i>Gloucester</i>, 1654–1656

Abstract In December 1654 a large naval force departed from Portsmouth and sailed across the Atlantic. Its goal was to expand English Commonwealth in Caribbean at expense of Spanish colonies. The Gloucester , third-rate frigate recently constructed as part Oliver Cromwell's ambitious shipbuilding programme, one largest most heavily armed warships expedition. Combining analysis courts martial accounts, inventories, journals, letters, sailing instructions, wills, this article argues for 's importance case study microcosm understanding economic, political, religious, social problems that navy wider Protectorate faced. It revises traditional historiography about topic has underestimated significance context Western Design. Crucial new history is extreme hardships religious divisions created tensions targeted leadership Admiral William Goodsonn. Of particular narrative Benjamin Blake, captain who clashed with Goodsonn over key policies. By focusing on exploring its crew's experiences, shows restricted internally conflicted when operating peripheries state network.