Other 18th-/19th-century conflicts
Maps, views and documents from 19 wars
View of the Battle of Porto Bello, 1739 (Portobelo, Colón, Panama) 09°33'00"N 79°39'00"W
1740 or laterEngraving and etching; printed on paper | 37.0 x 46.9 cm (image) | RCIN 728027
The Battle of Porto Bello, fought on 20-21 November 1739 between the British Fleet, commanded by Vice-Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757), and the Spanish garrison, under the command of Francisco Javier de la Vega, resulted in the British capturing the town.
The title gives the date of the battle as the 22nd of November; however, the engagement was begun on the 20th and the town was taken on the 21st. The victory was popular with the British public, the Portobello Road in London being named after it, and George Washington's estate, Mount Vernon, in Virginia being named in honour of the Admiral.
Additional text: [bottom, below title, a key A-I, K-R.]
Condition: one fold line; creased; slight tear in top right edge.
William Rayner (d.25 October 1761) (publisher)
Danvers: the Old Bayli (C.Danvers (active 1740)) (print seller) [bottom centre, below text:] Printed for Will.me Rayner and Sold at C. Danvers in the Old Bayli. Done Accord.n to Act of Parliament.
Subject(s)
Royal NavyNavy-SpainWatermark: Fleur-de-lys
Condition: one fold line; creased; slight tear in top right edge
37.0 x 46.9 cm (image)
37.1 x 47.1 cm (platemark)
33.2 x 45.8 cm (neatline)
37.7 x 48.4 cm (sheet)
Printed title:
ENGLAND'S GLORY [top centre, outside border]
Printed title:
The Harbour Town & Forts of PORTO BELLO Taken by EDWARD VERNON Esqr. Vice Admiral of ye Blue. on ye 22.d of Nov.m 1739. With Six Men of War only). [bottom, outside border]
Additional text:
[bottom, below title, a key A-I, K-R.]
Annotations:
George III heading: Porto Belo 22 Nov.r 1739.
Other annotations: (Recto) none. (Verso) [top left, black pencil:] /o; [bottom left, black pencil:] 39.d.
George III catalogue entry:
Porto Belo View of the Harbour, Town and Forts of Porto Bello taken by Admiral Vernon on the 22.d of Nov.r 1739: published by Rayner.
Subject(s)
Portobelo, Colón, Panama (09°33'00"N 79°39'00"W)
Page revisions
23 May 2024
Current version
