Battles & Campaigns · 1808
Battle of Vimeiro
Vimeiro, Lourinhã, Portugal
What happened
Four days after Roliça, Junot attacked Wellesley's army near the village of Vimeiro. The French attacks were poorly coordinated, and their columns were broken by British volley fire. Junot's cavalry was also beaten, and he withdrew toward Torres Vedras.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The victory ended the first French invasion of Portugal.
What came next
Senior generals then took over from Wellesley and agreed the Convention of Cintra, which let the French army sail home with its equipment and loot. The terms caused an outcry in Britain.
Did you know?
Wellesley, who opposed the convention, later became the Duke of Wellington.
Timeline
- 17 August 1808Battle of Roliça.
- 21 August 1808Battle of Vimeiro.
- 1808 CEConvention of Cintra.