Historedia
Person

Sir Ralph Abercromby

Events
3
Episodes
9
Years
1796–1801

Every event in Historedia whose sources name Sir Ralph Abercromby, with the role they cite and all of that event’s episodes. This is not a biography, and mentions are grouped by name, so two people with the same name can share this page.

Events and episodes

  1. Invasion of Trinidad

    1796–1798

    Role: Commander of the British invasion fleet

    1. 1796 · Spain and FranceSpain's alliance with France turns it against Britain

      After defeat by France and the Peace of Basel, Spain allied with France in 1796, becoming an enemy of Great Britain.

    2. 1796 · Caribbean theatreBritish Caribbean operations preceding the invasion

      British forces in the Caribbean in 1796 had already taken Saint Lucia and the Dutch colonies Demerara and Essequibo, before the expedition against Trinidad and Puerto Rico.

    3. 1797 and after · TrinidadPicton's governorship and British retention of Trinidad

      Abercromby installed Thomas Picton as governor; petitions and their representations kept Trinidad British during peace negotiations.

    4. 18–19 February 1797 · Island of TrinidadBritish invasion and capture of Trinidad

      An 18-ship British fleet under Abercromby took Trinidad in February 1797; Chacón capitulated without defence or casualties.

    5. 1798 · TrinidadPrize money allocation for the invasion force

      The next year the British invasion force shared in an allocation of £40,000 for ships taken at Trinidad and property found on the island.

  2. Norman Cross POW camp construction begins

    1796–1797

    Role: Communicated in 1796 that he was transferring 4,000 prisoners from the West Indies, prompting the Board to search for a new prison site

    1. 1796 · Norman Cross, HuntingdonshireSearch for a prison site

      Abercromby's 1796 communication about 4,000 West Indies prisoners led the Board to seek a new prison site.

    2. December 1796 – 1797 · Norman Cross depot siteConstruction begins at Norman Cross

      Work commenced in December 1796, using London-prefabricated timber assembled by 500 carpenters and labourers over three months.

  3. Battle of Alexandria: Abercromby defeats the French and dies of his wound

    1801

    Role: British Commander

    1. 21 March 1801 · Near the ruins of NicopolisBattle of Alexandria

      British forces repelled a French assault led by Menou, routing the enemy after fierce fighting near the ruins of Nicopolis.

    2. 28 March 1801 · AlexandriaDeath of Abercromby

      Sir Ralph Abercromby died from his wound seven days after the battle, on 28 March 1801.

Sources

  1. Capture of Trinidad Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-20
  2. Norman Cross Prison Wikipedia, revision of 2026-03-10
  3. Battle of Alexandria (1801) Wikipedia, revision of 2026-09-07
  4. Ralph Abercromby Wikipedia, revision of 2026-07-18