A rare plan of the siege of Bergen op Zoom in 1747

BOWLES, Thomas.

A Genuine and Exact Plan of the Fortifications of Bergen-op-zoom with the Forts Moermont, Pinsen, and Rover, and ye Line of Steenberge. Also of The French Trenches and Attacks during ye Present Siege. Being an exact copy of One lately sent from the Hague.
London: Thomas Bowles & John Bowles, c.1747. 290 x 415mm.

Some restoration.

A scarce broadsheet battle plan of the strategic Dutch border fortress of Bergen op Zoom under siege by the French in 1747, during the War of the Austrian Succession (1740-8, part of a larger conflict that included England's 'War of Jenkins' Ear' with Spain & 'King George's War' with the French in North America). The garrison inside included British troops, including the 25th & 64th Foot (Loudon's Highlanders).

This battle plan concentrates on the fortifications, which, built by Menno van Coehoorn at the beginning of the C17th, were believed to be impregnable. However, after seventy days, the French artillery breached the walls and their troops sacked the town. Loudon's Highlanders made a stand, fighting through the streets, but lost two-thirds of their number. It was reported that several thousand civilians were killed, which outraged European opinion.

Following the defeat the Dutch were militarily exhausted, and the British joined negotiations at the Congress of Breda, leading to a treaty in 1748.


Stock ID : 12434