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Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739)
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Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739)
5929644 Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739 (Medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon 1739) by British School, (18th Century); National Army Museum, London; (add.info.: Bronze medallion commemorating the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon, 1739.
In 1731 the Spanish Coast Guard in the Caribbean boarded and searched the British merchant ship of Captain Robert Jenkins. During the violent search Jenkins ear was severed. He took the matter to Parliament and it was said that he showed them the appendage in order to highlight this vicious attack upon British liberties. Political pressure eventually led the Prime Minister, Robert Walpole, to declare war against Spain on 19 October 1739. The subsequent War of Jenkins Ear (1739-1741) had few successes for the British, but this medallion commemorates one small victory, Admiral Edward Vernon's attack on Porto Bello in Panama.
Based in Jamaica, Vernon had somewhat rashly boasted that he could take Porto Bello with only six ships. On 22 November he succeeded in doing just that, but with insufficient forces to consolidate his position there, was obliged to destroy the fortifications and the port, and withdraw to Jamaica. Nevertheless, the victory sparked a wave of jingoism at home, raising unrealistic optimism as to what might be achieved in the Caribbean. The capture of Porto Bello elevated Admiral Vernon to a national hero. His victory there was followed closely by the public debut of the patriotic song, Rule, Britannia! and Vernon was granted the freedom of London.
The obverse of the medal shows the bust of Admiral Vernon with the legend THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVD BY ADMIRAL VERNON'. The reverse depicts Vernon's six ships entering Porto Bello's harbour. The inscription reads HE TOOK PORTO BELLO WITH SIX SHIPS ONLY with BY COURAGE AND CONDUCT.); © National Army Museum
Media ID 33395242
© © National Army Museum / Bridgeman Images
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a bronze medallion that commemorates the capture of Porto Bello by Admiral Vernon in 1739. The medallion, created by the British School in the 18th century, is currently housed at the National Army Museum in London. The story behind this significant event dates back to 1731 when Captain Robert Jenkins' British merchant ship was boarded and searched by the Spanish Coast Guard in the Caribbean. During this violent encounter, Jenkins had his ear severed as a brutal act against British liberties. This incident led to political pressure and eventually sparked a war between Britain and Spain known as the War of Jenkins' Ear. Amidst several setbacks for the British during this conflict, Admiral Edward Vernon's attack on Porto Bello stands out as a small victory. Based in Jamaica, Vernon boldly claimed that he could conquer Porto Bello with only six ships. On November 22nd, he successfully achieved his goal but lacked sufficient forces to maintain control over the port. Consequently, he destroyed its fortifications before retreating to Jamaica. Despite these limitations, Vernon's triumph ignited nationalistic fervor among Britons and elevated him to hero status. It even coincided with the debut of "Rule Britannia!" an iconic patriotic song celebrating British glory. In recognition of his achievement, Vernon was granted freedom of London. The obverse side of this remarkable medal portrays Admiral Vernon's bust alongside the inscription "THE BRITISH GLORY REVIVD BY ADMIRAL VERNON". On its reverse side is an illustration depicting his six ships entering Porto Bello's harbor while bearing an inscription that proudly declares "HE TOOK PORTO BELLO WITH SIX SHIPS ONLY" thanks to courage and conduct. This print serves as a testament to both historical events and artistic craftsmanship from centuries past—a tangible reminder of Admiral Vernon's daring feat and its lasting impact on British pride and identity.
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