Siege of Havana
Havana and Morro Castle, Cuba
What happened
A British army and fleet under the Earl of Albemarle and Admiral Sir George Pocock fought the Spanish defenders of Havana under Juan de Prado, with Luis Vicente de Velasco commanding Morro Castle. In the Seven Years' War, a British fleet slipped through a little-used channel and trapped the Spanish fleet in Havana harbour. British troops built gun batteries on a hill overlooking the great fortress of Morro Castle and bombarded it for weeks, while yellow fever and malaria struck both sides. The British stormed the fortress on 30 July, and Havana surrendered in August.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Havana was Spain's most valuable harbour in the Caribbean, and its loss was a major humiliation. To get it back in the peace treaty, Spain gave Florida to Britain.
What came next
Havana was returned to Spain under the Treaty of Paris in 1763. The British occupation also expanded slavery and the sugar industry in Cuba.
Did you know?
Morro Castle, built in 1589, is now part of the Old Havana World Heritage Site.
Timeline
- 1589Morro Castle is built.
- 6 June 1762The British siege begins.
- 30 July 1762The British storm Morro Castle.
- 13 August 1762Havana surrenders.
- 1763Havana is returned to Spain.