The capture of Belle Île was a British amphibious expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761, during the Seven Years' War. After an initial British attack was repulsed, a second attempt under General Studholme Hodgson forced a beachhead. A second landing was made, and after a six-week siege the island's main citadel at Le Palais was stormed, consolidating British control of the island. A French relief effort from the nearby mainland was unable to succeed because of British control of the sea. The British occupied the island for two years before returning it in 1763 following the Treaty of Paris.
British fleet occupies Belle Île off the Brittany Coast
The capture of Belle Île was a British amphibious expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761, during the Seven Years' War.
Historical Significance
The capture of Belle Île was a British amphibious expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761, during the Seven Years' War.
Events Before
Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat
Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat
Princess Carolina marries Gen Charles Christian van Nassau-Weilburg
Princess Carolina marries Gen Charles Christian van Nassau-Weilburg
The Great Upheaval: New England planters arrive in Nova Scotia, Canada, to claim land taken from the Acadians
The Great Upheaval: New England planters arrive in Nova Scotia, Canada, to claim land taken from the Acadians
Comet C/1760 A1 (Great comet) approaches within 0.0682 AUs of Earth
Comet C/1760 A1 (Great comet) approaches within 0.0682 AUs of Earth
Battle of Wandiwash, India: British troops defeat French forces
Battle of Wandiwash, India: British troops defeat French forces
Events After
Russian Tsar Peter III divorces his wife Catherine II
Russian Tsar Peter III divorces his wife Catherine II
Empress Catherine II becomes Tsarina of Russia after the death and rumored assassination of Tsar Peter III
Empress Catherine II becomes Tsarina of Russia after the death and rumored assassination of Tsar Peter III
British explorer Captain James Cook marries Elizabeth Batts
British explorer Captain James Cook marries Elizabeth Batts
Seven Years' War: Great Britain declares war on Spain & Naples
Seven Years' War: Great Britain declares war on Spain & Naples
Fraunces Tavern opens in NYC
Fraunces Tavern opens in NYC
More from the 1760s
Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat
Afghans defeat the Indian Maratha Empire in the Battle of Barari Ghat
Third Battle of Panipat: In one of the largest battles of the 18th century, the mostly Muslim Afghan Durrani Empire defe
Third Battle of Panipat: In one of the largest battles of the 18th century, the mostly Muslim Afghan Durrani Empire defeats the mostly Hindu Maratha Empire in northern India. An estimated 60,000 to 70,000 people are killed in the fighting, and about 40,000 Maratha prisoners are massacred afterward.
Treaty of Paris ends the French-Indian War, France agrees to surrender Canada to Great Britain
The Treaty of Paris, also known as the Treaty of 1763, was signed on 10 February 1763 by the kingdoms of Great Britain, France and Spain, with Portugal in agreement, following Great Britain and…
Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Sev
Austria, Prussia and Saxony sign the Treaty of Hubertusburg, marking the end of the French and Indian War and of the Seven Years' War
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on June 8, 1761?
- The capture of Belle Île was a British amphibious expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761, during the Seven Years' War. After an initial British attack was repulsed, a second attempt under General Studholme Hodgson forced a beachhead. A second landing was made, and after a six-week siege the island's main citadel at Le Palais was stormed, consolidating British control of the island.
- Why is British fleet occupies Belle Île off the Brittany Coast significant?
- The capture of Belle Île was a British amphibious expedition to capture the French island of Belle Île off the Brittany coast in 1761, during the Seven Years' War.