Junot takes Abrantes (1807)

French forces under General Jean-Andoche Junot captured the town of Abrantes in November 1807. The seizure occurred during an arduous march through Spain into Portugal, facing little resistance. Junot used Abrantes as a base for marshaling forces before advancing to Lisbon. The town was returned to Portuguese control in 1808.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. Jean-Andoche Junot, appointed commander-in-chief of the Gironde Observation Corps in July 1807, led an army assembled in Bayonne. Reinforced by a Spanish contingent, the force departed in October and marched through Spain. Crossing into Portugal at Segura on 19 November, Junot's troops advanced towards Lisbon with minimal opposition, seizing key towns along the route.

Capture of Abrantes. The village of Abrantes was captured on 24 November 1807 by French general Jean-Andoche Junot. This occurred two days after the seizure of Castelo Branco. Junot utilized Abrantes as a base for further marshaling of French forces. For this victory, Junot was awarded a ducal title by Napoleon I in 1808.

Aftermath. Following the capture, Junot's army continued its advance, entering Lisbon without a fight on 30 November 1807. The occupation led to far-reaching measures, including the disbandment of the Portuguese Army. The town of Abrantes was eventually returned to the Portuguese under the terms of the Convention of Cintra in August 1808.

People involved

Sources

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