HistoryData
war1667

Recapture of Fort Zeelandia

October 13, 1667

The last military engagement of the Second Anglo-Dutch War, fought days before the Peace of Breda took effect.

Quick Facts

Year
1667
Category
war

Key Facts

Date
13 October 1667
War
Second Anglo-Dutch War
English commander
Rear Admiral Sir John Harman
Dutch commander
Maurits de Rame
Outcome
English captured fort; soon vacated after Peace of Breda
Significance
Last battle of the Second Anglo-Dutch War

Location

Map of Paramaribo, SurinameMap of Paramaribo, SurinameParamaribo, Suriname

Cause → Event → Consequence

Cause

During the Second Anglo-Dutch War, the Dutch had seized Fort Zeelandia earlier in 1667, taking the settlement from English control. With the war nearing its end, an English naval force sought to reclaim the strategic settlement and fortress on the Suriname coast.

Event

On 13 October 1667, Rear Admiral Sir John Harman led an English assault on Fort Zeelandia, the Dutch-held settlement and fortress at present-day Paramaribo. The English force overcame the Dutch garrison commanded by Maurits de Rame and took the fort by force, briefly occupying the area.

Consequence

The English occupation of Fort Zeelandia was short-lived, as news of the Peace of Breda reached the region shortly after the assault. The action proved to be the final battle between England and the Dutch Republic in the Second Anglo-Dutch War, making it a military curiosity rendered moot by diplomacy.

Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis

Side A

1 belligerent

Kingdom of England
Key Commanders

Rear Admiral Sir John Harman.

Side B

1 belligerent

Dutch Republic
Key Commanders

Maurits de Rame.

Outcome
English victory; fort captured, but evacuated after Peace of Breda was announced

Timeline Context

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