Battle of Beachy Head
The Battle of Beachy Head was a naval confrontation that took place on July 10, 1690, during a period of military conflict involving England and France amid the Williamite War in Ireland. The English fleet, led by Admiral Arthur Herbert, Earl of Torrington, faced significant challenges, having to split its forces between the defense of the English Channel and supporting operations in Ireland. In contrast, the French fleet, commanded by Admiral Anne-Hilarion de Cotentin, comte de Tourville, aimed to support the deposed King James II.
During the battle, Torrington secured favorable wind conditions and initiated the attack but ultimately suffered heavy losses, with 12 ships lost while Tourville’s fleet remained intact. Following the defeat, Torrington retreated to the Thames, where he defended his actions by invoking the strategic concept of a "fleet in being," suggesting that his remaining forces still served a protective role. Although he was court-martialed for his decisions during the battle, he was acquitted.
The Battle of Beachy Head is historically significant as it marked the last time the English Royal Navy was defeated in a major naval engagement, and it was also notable for the introduction of the tactical principle of a "fleet in being."
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Subject Terms
Battle of Beachy Head
Type of action: Naval battle in the War of the Grand Alliance
Date: June 30-July 10, 1690
Location: Near Beachy Head, in East Sussex
Combatants: 56 English and Dutch ships vs. 70 French ships
Principal commanders:English, Admiral Arther Herbert, earl of Torrington (1647–1716); French, Admiral Anne-Hilarion de Cotentin, comte de Tourville (1642–1701)
Result: English defeat
In June of 1690, the English fleet was in a difficult strategic position, having to divide an inadequate number of ships between protecting the English Channel and supporting King William III’s ground actions in Ireland. On June 30, Admiral Anne-Hilarion de Cotentin, comte de Tourville, arrived off Cornwall to create a diversion in support of the deposed King James II in Ireland. From there, the two fleets maneuvered eastward to Beachy Head, off the coast of Sussex. On July 10, Admiral Arther Herbert, earl of Torrington, was able to gain the weather gage, the wind position most favorable for a battle under sail, and attacked Tourville’s forces. Unfortunately for the English, Torrington’s tactics were faulty, and his forces took heavy losses (12 ships), and Tourville lost none of his forces.
Torrington then fled up the Thames, where he defended his actions by speaking of a “fleet in being” to protect England from invasion. He was court-martialed but was subsequently acquitted. Meanwhile, Tourville squandered the advantage he had won by failing to press his attack and crush the fleeing English fleet.
Significance
Beachy Head was the last time that England’s Royal Navy was beaten in a fleet action. It was also the first time that the concept of a “fleet in being” was articulated by a commander.
Bibliography
Ashley, Maurice. James II. Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 1997.
Doherty, Richard. The Williamite War in Ireland, 1688–1691. Portland, Ore.: Four Courts Press, 1998.
Powley, Edward B. The Naval Side of King William’s War. Hamden, Conn.: Archon, 1972.