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Raid on the Medway
In June 1667, a Dutch fleet under Michiel de Ruyter and Cornelis de Witt, exploiting England's weakened coastal defenses amid plague and financial cr…
Timeline
- 1667Thames Estuary · EnglandTaking advantage of weak English coastal defenses, the Dutch fleet broke through the Thames estuary defenses and advanced toward Chatham; English shore defenses and chain barriers failed to stop them effectively.
- 1667Chatham Dockyard and Medway anchorage · ChathamDutch boats and fireships penetrated the Medway, attacking the English battle fleet moored at Chatham, burning great ships including the Royal James and capturing the flagship Royal Charles.
- 1667Medway to the North Sea · KentThe Dutch withdrew safely after completing their destruction; the English government and public were shaken, finances and naval prestige suffered a severe blow, and Charles II's government was forced to accelerate peace negotiations.
Sources
- Raid on the Medway https://www.britannica.com/event/Raid-on-the-Medway
- The Dutch in the Medway, June 1667 — National Maritime Museum https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/dutch-raid-medway