The Bombardment and Capture of Porto Bello, 1739

Even before the formal declaration of war between England and Spain in October 1739, the Admiralty had despatched a fleet under Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon to the Caribbean under orders to capture the fortress of Porto Bello. Situated on the north coast of the Isthmus of Darien, near modern Colon, the strongly fortified town played a vital role in the Spanish subjugation of Central America and, if taken, would be a severe blow to Spain's domination of the rich West Indian islands. After weeks of preparation, Vernon's fleet of nine ships sailed from Port Royal, Jamaica, and anchored off Porto Bello on 20th November 1739. The amphibious assault and bombardment began the next day and, despite a vigorous defence, the Spaniards lost heart during the night and surrendered the following morning.