Like its predecessor, the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667) was essentially a dispute about trade fought on water. The end of the war was hastened in June 1667 when the Dutch launched a spectacular raid on the English naval base at Chatham on the river Medway, east of London. It came as a complete surprise to the British. The Dutch smashed the chain that defended the river from enemy attack. As a result, they were able to capture two English ships and burn a further six. One of the prizes was the flagship, 'Royal Charles', brought back to Holland as a trophy of war. Admiral Michiel de Ruyter received this gold cup picturing the encounter in enamel to mark the successful raid.
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python_regius) wrote2009-05-14 09:14 pm
