Medal commemorating Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) and the capture of Porto Bello, 1739

Medal commemorating Admiral Edward Vernon (1684-1757) the capture of Porto Bello, 1739 and the attack on Cartagena. Obverse: Admiral Vernon in a cocked hat facing left (left) receiving a sword from Admiral 'DON BLASS' on left knee (right), stern of a ship (right). Legend: 'THE . PRIDE . OF . SPAIN HUMBLE .D . BY . ADMIRAL . VERNON'. Exergue: Leaf ornament. Reverse: View of Porto Bello harbour and ships; spires pointing at letter E, right of W, gabled building L.O. Legend: 'HE . TOOK . PORTO . BELLO . WITH . SIX . SHIPS . ONLY'. Exergue: 'NOV. 22 . 1739.' Vernon bombarded Cartagena in 1740 and a disastrous attempt was made to capture the city in April 1741. On this occasion the Spanish commander Blas de Lezo y Olavarrieta, successfully defended Cartagena against the British.

Object Details

ID: MEC1024
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Medal
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Events: War of Jenkins' Ear: Capture of Porto Bello, 1739
Date made: After 1739
People: Vernon, Edward; Vernon, Edward Olavarrieta, Blas de Lezo y
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 36 mm