David Buttery - Wellington Against Junot: The First Invasion of Portugal 1807-1808

Lieutenant General Sir Arthur Wellesley, a commander of proven ability but resented by some contemporaries due to his political influence.

General Jean Andoche Junot, a beau sabreur in the French army who gained the title of Duc dAbrantes in Portugal. ( Mauduison )

Emperor Napoleon I of France. In 1807 his armies dominated Europe.

Prince Regent Dom Joo VI, of the house of Bragana. Caught between Britain and France in 1807, he faced a terrible political dilemma. ( Nicolas-Louis Albert Delerive )

Junots flamboyant style was legendary, along with his prowess in battle. ( Philippoteaux )

Lord Byron the lines that he penned concerning the Convention of Sintra ensured that controversy about the settlement continued long after 1808.

Napoleon was astounded when he received the news of Junots defeat in Portugal. ( W.B. Wollen )

Lieutenant General Sir Hew Dalrymple, whose Armistice and later Convention with the French led to his disgrace.

British troops abandon Toulon 1793. During this siege, Junot first met Napoleon and became his protg. ( Martinet )

A view of Lisbon and the surrounding area showing the enormous width of the River Tejo at this point. ( Grnewald )

A caricature of Tsar Alexander I and Napoleon dividing the world between them at the Treaty of Tilsit 1807. ( James Gillray )

A caricature depicting Napoleons plight during the Peninsular War as events in Portugal and Spain spiralled out of his control. ( James Gillray )

Fort So Julien, one of the more formidable river forts along the Tejo. ( Illustrated London News, 19 June 1847 )

The Battle of Rolia, the first major clash between the British and the French in the Peninsula. ( T. Withy )

Delabordes skilful use of terrain at Rolia presented a formidable challenge for Wellesley, despite the allies numerical superiority. ( Philippoteaux )