Battle of Talavera
Just outside Talavera de la Reina, Toledo, Spain, about 120 km south-west of Madrid
What happened
A British army under Sir Arthur Wellesley and a Spanish army under General Gregorio García de la Cuesta fought a French army under King Joseph Bonaparte and Marshal Jean-Baptiste Jourdan. In the Peninsular War, the French attacked the British and Spanish line outside Talavera over two days. The British held a key hill, and in one attack British infantry rose from cover and charged the French back. At noon on the second day both sides agreed a two-hour pause; fighting resumed, and the next morning the French had withdrawn.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Neither side clearly won, and the allies soon had to retreat. But Wellesley was made Viscount Wellington of Talavera for the battle.
What came next
Facing a larger French army, the British withdrew across the mountains by 20 August 1809. They returned to fight in Spain in 1810.
Did you know?
Talavera de la Reina is famous for its pottery, which UNESCO recognised as cultural heritage in 2019.
Timeline
- 27-28 July 1809The Battle of Talavera is fought.
- 20 August 1809All British forces have withdrawn across the mountains.
- November 1809The Spanish are defeated at Ocaña.
- 2019UNESCO recognises Talavera pottery.