Siege and Capture of Ciudad Rodrigo

Wellington launched a rapid assault against Ciudad Rodrigo, held by a small French garrison. After several days of intense bombardment, Anglo-Portuguese troops breached the town walls and launched a night assault. The French garrison was overwhelmed despite courageous defense.

Ciudad Rodrigo, captured by the French in 1810, controlled a key crossing toward Portugal. Wellington decided to strike in winter, taking advantage of Marmont's temporary absence, to open the way for a future offensive in Castile.

Approach trenches were dug rapidly under cover of darkness. British artillery demolished two bastions. The main assault was launched on the evening of the 19th: two attack columns simultaneously breached the gaps while a diversion was mounted elsewhere.

The loss of Ciudad Rodrigo opened the road to Salamanca for the Allies. It was a hard blow for the French, who lost a key stronghold. Wellington was made Count of Ciudad Rodrigo by the Spanish Cortes.