Horatio Clare is one of Britain’s most captivating writers and broadcasters. From trekking across two continents following the migration of swallows, to voyaging on container ships, to writing about mental health and the natural world, his work is rooted in curiosity, humanity, and a deep urge to understand the world around us.
In this episode, we dive into his brand new book We Came by Sea – a fearless exploration of migration across the English Channel and the stories of those who are helping in what Horatio hails as one of the great search and rescue operations of all time.
Horatio talks about immersing himself in both sides of the debate, from spending time in right-wing pubs to listening on the ground in Dover. He shares what he witnessed first-hand at the frontline of Britain’s migration crisis, and why he believes current government policies are not just failing but wasting money.
We also step behind the curtain of his writing life: how he shapes ideas, the craft of putting words to paper, and why writing remains for him both an art and an act of public service.
For more information on Horatio and his books: https://horatioclarewriter.com/
Support the podcast:
Get a whopping 65% off your first Gousto box at: https://www.gousto.co.uk/raf/?promo_code=TOM42277653
Mentioned in the Conversation:
Horatio's BBC Radio 4 documentary 'Into The West': https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m002h9np
Get in contact:
https://www.instagram.com/tombryanyeah/
https://www.facebook.com/greatbritishadventurespodcast
https://www.threads.net/@tombryanyeah
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Intro
02:47 The Welsh Coastline
09:17 What it means to be Welsh
12:10 British Journalism & their tactics
16:07 Horatio's interest in the Dover crossings
18:39 Pushbacks
21:08 Nigel Farage's vision
22:34 Dover's 'Boom-town'
24:47 Refugees not assylum seekers or migrants
27:35 Making refugee soldiers
29:05 The true cost of border enforcement
31:31 Other countries methods
33:38 Tom witnessing boat crossings
35:45 They believe Britain isn't racist
37:30 Volunteers looking after welfare
41:00 Comparisons between mental health system and asylum
43:01 What does it mean to be British?
47:41 Horatio's craft as a writer
51:34 Research in travel literature
55:49 Lessons from Anna Gavalda
58:32 Writing from a container ship