Battles & Campaigns · 1809
Battle of Arzobispo
El Puente del Arzobispo, Toledo, Spain
What happened
After the Battle of Talavera, the Spanish held the bridge at Arzobispo over the Tagus. During the afternoon siesta, French cavalry crossed a hidden ford nearby. The Spanish cavalry was routed, and the French captured the redoubt and its guns.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It showed how weak a seemingly strong position could be. French cavalry also recaptured many guns lost at Talavera.
What came next
The French won again at Almonacid on 11 August. Wellesley was made Viscount Wellington and began planning the Lines of Torres Vedras.
Did you know?
The surprise attack came while the Spanish soldiers were resting during the siesta.
Timeline
- July 1809Battle of Talavera.
- 8 August 1809Battle of Arzobispo.
- 11 August 1809Battle of Almonacid.