Brian Lavery - Maritime History Expert

Television, Radio & Films

A skilled TV and radio performer, he appeared in programmes such as Time Team and Timewatch. He has acted as consultant on many documentaries, including Empire of the Seas.

With Tony Robinson during the filming of a Time Team Special, The Wreck of the Colossus.
Tony Robinson & Brian Lavery in Time Team
Peter Weir directing Master and Commander.
Peter Weir Master and Commander

Master and Commander

The programme for the London Premier Historical Consultant to the Oscar-winning Master and Commander, starring Russell Crowe and directed by Peter Weir. 

‘What has Lavery got to say about it?’
‘He agrees.’
‘No, I’m sure he disagrees.’
‘Go and get the Lavery.’

“Any or all of the above dialogue might have been heard in my office in Baja, Mexico, during the early months of 2002. We were preparing to shoot a film based on the novels of Patrick O’Brian, and the book in question was Brian Lavery’s Nelson’s Navy, a prime source for all departments, as it crossed the spectrum from buttons to boomkins.”

Peter Weir, 2003

Combat Ships, Galleons and Privateers

More recently I appeared in Combat Ships, Galleons and Privateers, re-enacting the tactics used by the English against the Spanish Armada on board the sailing ship Royalist.

I was interviewed on board the sailing ship Royalist, conducting a practical demonstration of English tactics against the Spanish Armada of 1588.

Combat ships, galleons and privateers