The English College at Lisbon 1622-1972, by Simon Johnson
Gracewing, £25, 272 pages
The relationship between Britain and Portugal is often claimed to be the longest-lasting diplomatic alliance in the world. From the Treaty of Windsor in 1386 onwards, the two countries have been close allies. John I married Philippa of Lancaster; their son Henry the Navigator gave Portugal the impetus for its global exploration.
Britain got a perpetual ally against Spain, Bombay (hence India), and an alternative supply during the frequent interruptions of French wine imports. Who gave to whom small custard tarts is a matter of some dispute between the countries to this day.
