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5 unusual facts about Ciudad Rodrigo


Ciudad Rodrigo

The British General Wellington began his 1812 campaign by taking Ciudad Rodrigo by storm on the night of January 19, 1812 – January 20, 1812 after preparatory operations lasting about 10 days.

In the 12th century, the site was repopulated by King Ferdinand II of León, walling it and re-establishing the old Visigothic diocese of Calabria into the new bishopric as suffragan of the Diocese of Santiago de Compostela; it comprised a big part of the province of Salamanca, and a portion of the province of Cáceres, an act confirmed by Pope Alexander III in 1175.

John Thomas Jones

For his conduct during the operations against Ciudad Rodrigo he was particularly mentioned by Wellington in his despatches, and in consequence was gazetted brevet-major on 6 February 1812.

Pedro Morales y Mercado

Born in the 17th century in Ciudad de Rodrigo, Spain, Pedro Morales y Mercado was the son of Juan de Morales y Mercado and Blanca de Soria.

Ulysses Burgh, 2nd Baron Downes

He was then present at the battle of Fuentes d'Onor, at the combat of El Bodon, at the storming of Ciudad Rodrigo and Badajoz, and the battle of Salamanca, and again took home the news of Wellington's entry into Madrid.


Anthony Emmett

First, in Abrantes and skirmishes near it, while the French were in front of the lines of Lisbon; secondly, at both the sieges of Badajoz in 1811, at the cavalry affair of El Boden, and in the trenches before Ciudad Rodrigo; and thirdly, at the siege of Badajoz in 1812, when he led on the Portuguese column of the 4th division to the assault of the breach of the curtain, and was severely wounded.

Fernando Ponce de Cabrera el Mayor

Early in 1161, Ferdinand, prompted by fear that Afonso I of Portugal was planning an invasion, bestowed the tenencias (tenancies-in-chief) of Ciudad Rodrigo and Ledesma on Ponce, who in turn gave the latter to his son Fernando.

Hercules Robert Pakenham

He was promoted to a majority in the 7th West India regiment 30 Aug. 1810, remained with the Peninsular army, and was assistant adjutant-general of Picton's division up to the fall of Badajos, where he was severely wounded and received the Gold Cross for Busaco, Fuentes d'Onoro and Ciudad Rodrigo, and Badajos).


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