This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

American War of Independence (1775-83)

George III’s maps and views showing the development of the war at home and abroad, from North America to India

JOHN BOYDELL (1720-1804)

View of the siege of Gibraltar, 1782 (Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory) 36°08'00"N 05°21'00"W

published 1784

Engraving and etching; printed on paper; laid down on paper, the paper brought round the edges of the recto | 48.6 x 65.2 cm (image) | RCIN 734092

A view of the third and final naval relief of Gibraltar during which 34 transport ships delivered food and ammunition and other supplies to the garrison. American War of Independence (1775-83): Great Siege of Gibraltar (21 June 1779-7 February 1783).

Condition: one fold line. Verso: surface dirt.
  • John Boydell (1720-1804) (publisher) [bottom centre, below edge of view:] John Boydell excudit 1784; [bottom centre, below title:] Publish’d Novr 1st 1784 by John Boydell Engraver, in Cheapside, London. [Some of the punctuation is obscured by the paper edging.]

    After Richard Paton (1717-91) (artist) [bottom left, below edge of view:] Rich.d Paton Pinxit

    Daniel Lerpiniere (1745-85) (engraver) [bottom right, below edge of view:] Dan.l Lerpiniere Sculpsit

    Subject(s)

    Royal Navy
    Navy-Spain
  • Watermark: Dovecote with two birds; countermark, indistinct: [?] / [AUVER]GNE 1742

    Condition: one fold line. Verso: surface dirt

  • 45.0 x 65.2 cm (neatline)

    48.6 x 65.2 cm (image)

    50.2 x 67.7 cm (platemark)

    50.9 x 68.6 cm (sheet)

  • Printed title:

    To ADM.L LORD HOWE, VICE ADM.LS BARRINGTON and MILBANK, REAR ADM.LS HOOD and HUGHES, COMMODORE HOTHAM, the OFFICERS, SEAMEN and MARINES. / This Representation of the relief of Gibraltar, on the 11.th Oct.r 1782 (by the gallant & able Manœvres of the British Fleet against a superior Fleet of the Enemy) for which important service / done their Country they received the thanks of both houses of Parliament. Is humbly inscribed by their most humble Servant / Richard Paton. [bottom centre, below view]

    Annotations:

    George III heading [black pencil:] Military Gibraltar 11 Oct 1782 Port folio No 3 G-3.

    Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [bottom left, black pencil, obscured by paper backing: the old heading; bottom left, black pencil:] 93.a (i); [left, black pencil, obscured by paper backing:] 35; [top left, black pencil:] 35; [top right, black pencil:] 43; [bottom right, black pencil:] 1782-43.

    K. Mil. dummy sheet:

    Title [ink:] Representation of the relief of Gibraltar, on the 11.th Oct.r 1782, by the Manœuvres of the British Fleet / against a superior Fleet of the Enemy; by R. Paton, engraved by D. Lerpiniere, published by / Boydell 1784. / Port-folio N.o [black pencil:] 3 ... 2 Table / [in a modern hand:] UL Naval / [black pencil and red ink, George III heading:] Gibraltar 11 Oct. 1782 [on same line, black pencil, erased, in a modern hand:] Oversize folder Box XIV. 
    Watermark: J WHATMAN / 1811. 
    Size: 48.1 x 33.1 cm (sheet).

    George III catalogue entry:

    Gibraltar Representation of the relief of Gibraltar, on the 11.th Oct.r 1782, by the Manœuvres of the British Fleet against a superior Fleet of the Enemy: by R. Paton, engraved by Lerpiniere: published by Boydell, 1784.

  • Subject(s)

    Gibraltar, British Overseas Territory (36°08'00"N 05°21'00"W)

  • Bibliographic reference(s)

    H. Parker, Naval battles from the collection of prints formed and owned by Commander Sir Charles Leopold Cust. With an introduction by C.N. Robinson, 2 vols., London 1911, no.93.a

Page revisions

  • 23 May 2024