Capture of Vigo and Pontevedra

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In October 1719, during the War of the Quadruple Alliance, Britain launched an amphibious strike on Spain’s northern coast, targeting Vigo, Redondela, and Pontevedra. The expedition was commanded by Lord Cobham, with Vice Admiral James Mighells directing the naval forces. The fleet included the ship Ipswich and three frigates, bomb vessels, and about 6,000 troops commanded by Major-General John Wade.

The British landed near Vigo and established a position opposite Fort Castro. After bringing up mortars and siege guns, they bombarded the town. On 10 October the Spanish garrison surrendered after heavy bombardment and a direct assault; the defenders suffered many casualties, while British losses were light. The British seized and destroyed a large amount of military stores and several ships in Vigo’s harbor.

Cobham then sent Major-General George Wade with 1,000 troops to Pontevedra. On 14 October a landing was made at Pontevedra, and Fort Marin fell to a small force led by John Ligonier. The town surrendered, its guns were spiked or destroyed, and the arsenal burned. The British also burned nearby fortifications and took a contribution from Santiago de Compostela.

By 24 October the army withdrew, and the fleet returned to England in November. The expedition produced a huge booty—guns, firearms, powder and supplies—and demonstrated that Britain could strike along Spain’s coast, pressuring Spain in the peace talks.