In his new book, Philip Hoare seeks out various shorelines, examining our need to be immersed in water. Or at least to be near it.

He remembers family trips to Torquay, destination caravan-land. And it leads him to think about another inhabitant of this seaside town. A woman of the 1830's, a famous poet, who came to know the life maritime as a blessing and a curse..

Reader Tobias Menzies

Producer Duncan Minshull. Show less