The Battle of Vimeiro
21 August 1808 · Line Defeats Column
The Battle of Vimeiro, fought on 21 August 1808, ended French control of Portugal for the time being. General Junot attacked Sir Arthur Wellesley's positions aggressively, but French columns were shattered by disciplined British musket volleys delivered from line. The victory was overshadowed by the Convention of Cintra, which allowed the defeated French army to evacuate Portugal.
Background
Junot realised he had to defeat Wellesley before more British reinforcements arrived. He attacked aggressively near the village of Vimeiro.
The Battle
French columns repeatedly assaulted British positions but encountered disciplined musket volleys from troops deployed in line rather than column. The British infantry shattered attack after attack.
Significance
Junot's defeat effectively ended French control of Portugal for the time being. Unfortunately, the subsequent Convention of Cintra allowed the defeated French army to evacuate Portugal by Royal Navy transports, creating political outrage in Britain despite the battlefield victory.
Where This Fits in the Peninsular War
The Battle of Vimeiro was fought at the opening of the campaign in Portugal (1808-1809). 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