Battle of Beachy Head (1690)

On 10 July 1690, the Anglo-Dutch fleet under Admiral Arthur Herbert was defeated by the French navy off Beachy Head. The French suffered no losses while the Allies lost ten vessels, temporarily ceding Channel control. This engagement occurred the day before the Battle of the Boyne.

Episodes

Background and detail

Strategic Context. King Louis XIV directed his navy against the Anglo-Dutch fleet in the Channel rather than supporting the Irish campaign. Admiral Torrington sailed from the Nore with 56 ships of the line, facing a French force with superior gunnage. Torrington had advised against engaging the superior French fleet but was overruled by Queen Mary II and her ministers.

Naval Action. On 10 July 1690, off Beachy Head near Eastbourne, Torrington advanced towards the French in line of battle. The French Vice-Admiral Anne Hilarion de Tourville commanded the opposing fleet. The engagement resulted in a significant French victory, with the Dutch losing seven ships of the line and three fire ships, and the English losing one ship of the line.

Consequences. Control of the English Channel temporarily fell into French hands, but Tourville failed to pursue the retreating Anglo-Dutch fleet with sufficient vigour, allowing it to reach the Thames. The French did not lose a single vessel in the action. The following day, William III defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne, while Torrington was later court-martialled for his performance.

People involved

Sources

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