In 1759, France planned to invade Great Britain during the Seven Years' War. 100,000 French soldiers were to land in Britain to end British involvement in the war. Due to various factors, including na
The Battle of Quiberon Bay, which ended the planned invasion
The Duke of Choiseul was the principal author of the invasion plan, with which he hoped to end the war against Britain with a single masterstroke.
Prince Charles Edward Stuart, after a portrait by Giles Hussey
William Pitt was the British war leader, and mobilised Britain's defences against the invasion threat.
Admiral of the Fleet Edward Hawke, 1st Baron Hawke, was a Royal Navy officer and politician. As captain of the third-rate HMS Berwick, he took part in the Battle of Toulon in February 1744 during the
Portrait by George Knapton
The Second Battle of Cape Finisterre, the first major victory Hawke won
John Byng, whom Hawke replaced as Mediterranean commander
1768–1770 portrait of Hawke by Francis Cotes