Havana Harbour
By [Anonymous] , 1760
£3,000
BUY

The Entrance of Havannah.

America Caribbean
  • Author: [Anonymous]
  • Publication date: c1760.
  • Physical description: Manuscript map, in pen and ink en grisaille on paper.
  • Dimensions: 280 by 390mm. (11 by 15.25 inches).
  • Inventory reference: 11350

Notes

View of the mouth of Havana Harbour taken from a shipboard vantage point, emphasising the two forts that guarded the mouth: on the left the 'Castillo de los Tres Reyes Magos del Morro' (Morro Castle) and on the right 'Castillo de San Salvador de la Punta, and marking the boom chain barrier stretched between the two.

Havana was attacked by the British towards the end of the Seven Years' War, and this would seem an appropriate date for this image.

Seeing that Morro Castle presented a formidable challenge should it be attacked from the seaward, the British simply landed troops on Cuba who approached from the landward side, and commenced siege operations on 11th June, gradually battering the walls into ruin. A breach was made on 30th July and the castle taken by storm. With the key to its defences lost, Havana was quickly compelled to surrender.

Bibliography

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