Siege of Antwerp (1814)
Antwerp, Belgium
What happened
British, Prussian, Swedish and Russian forces under Thomas Graham and Friedrich von Bülow besieged the French-held port of Antwerp, governed by Lazare Carnot. Antwerp was then part of France and a major base for Napoleon's navy. In February the British bombarded the port for three days with little effect and then withdrew. The city held out until Napoleon abdicated, and the French garrison left in May.
Why it matters
Its shipyards had built many French warships. When the French left, the Allies took over the port and its fleet.
What came next
At the Congress of Vienna in 1815, Antwerp and Belgium were given to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands, until the Belgian Revolution of 1830.
Did you know?
Short of small change, Carnot had bronze 'siege coins' made from naval metal.
Timeline
- 14 Jan 1814Siege begins.
- Early Feb 1814Three-day British bombardment.
- 7 Apr 1814Armistice after Napoleon's abdication.
- 4 May 1814French garrison leaves.