The Siege of Burgos
September-October 1812 · Wellington’s Rare Setback
The Siege of Burgos, in September and October 1812, was one of Wellington's rare setbacks in the Peninsular War. Lacking sufficient heavy siege artillery, the British failed in repeated assaults on Burgos Castle, and with French relief armies converging Wellington abandoned the siege and retreated to Portugal.
Background
Seeking to consolidate his advance after Salamanca, Wellington attempted to capture Burgos Castle.
The Siege
The British lacked sufficient heavy siege artillery. Repeated assaults failed. French relief armies converged.
Significance
Wellington abandoned the siege and conducted another masterful retreat back to Portugal. The failure reminded Europe that French power remained formidable, and it was one of Wellington's rare setbacks in the war.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Siege of Burgos was fought during the turning point of the war (1812-1813). See where it sits in the full chronology of the campaign, from the first British landings in Portugal to the final battle at Toulouse, on the complete campaign guide.
Page last updated: July 2026