Battle of Fishguard
Near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, Wales
What happened
A French force of about 1,400 under Colonel William Tate faced local militia, sailors and townspeople led by Lord Cawdor. During the French Revolutionary Wars, a French force landed on the Welsh coast near Fishguard. Many of the soldiers deserted to loot nearby farms, and discipline collapsed. As local militia, sailors and civilians gathered, Tate surrendered without a real battle two days later.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the last landing of an enemy force on mainland Britain. News of the invasion caused a panic at the Bank of England, which stopped exchanging banknotes for gold until 1821.
What came next
The surrender was signed at the Royal Oak pub in Fishguard. Tate and most of his men were sent back to France in a prisoner exchange in 1798.
Did you know?
Local legend says Jemima Nicholas and other Welsh women in red cloaks were mistaken for soldiers, though no written records from the time confirm this.
Timeline
- 22 February 1797French troops land near Fishguard.
- 24 February 1797Tate surrenders.
- 27 February 1797The Bank Restriction Act suspends gold payments.
- 1853The Pembroke Yeomanry receives the battle honour 'Fishguard'.
- 1997The Last Invasion Tapestry is made for the 200th anniversary.